Patient Perspectives on the Need for and Barriers to Professional Medical Interpretation.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) constitute an increasing share of the patient population in American healthcare settings. Few studies have described the patient's perspective on barriers to medical interpretation and experiences in the clinical setting.

METHODS

We conducted focus groups with 22 LEP Spanish-speaking adults. Focus groups were transcribed and analyzed in their original Spanish.

RESULTS

LEP patients face significant challenges when accessing health care services due to inadequate or insufficient access to professional interpreters. Predominant themes include: lack of interpreter availability, fear of disclosing limited English skills, and language discordant providers overestimating LEP patients' understanding of English. Many participants felt they had received poorer quality care.

CONCLUSIONS

LEP patients face multiple barriers to accessing adequate interpretation leading to a perceived worsening in the quality of care. In order to improve health outcomes for LEP patients, routine provision of adequate interpretation is essential.