Question

1. How can formal and informal sources of information about limited English proficiency populations in local communities be used to improve safety and services?

Answer 1

The root causes of patient safety events for patient limited English proficiency are related to communication and lack use of qualified medical interpreters . Research demonstrates that language barriers can have a significant impact on multiple aspects of health care and contribute to disparities in patient safety between English-speaking and limited english proficiency hospital patients.

Data Sources:-

Environmental scan:

Searched the co-worker reviewed and grey literature on the topic of patient safety and limited english proficiency and culturally diverse patients.

Qualitative interviews:

Interviewed frontline staff and clinical and administrative leaders to obtain input on conditions affecting safety of LEP and culturally diverse patients.

Interpreter pilot:

Analyzed the results of a project where interpreters were asked to anonymously
document information about incidents that had a negative impact on the safety of LEP patients.

Develop routine (quarterly, yearly) hospitalwide safety reports or dashboards that focus on patient safety among LEP patients.

Public health use of multi-lingual media
resources in Greater Minnesota will strengthen this as a reliable source of information for many
LEP populations.
• Increase availability of timely, translated print materials to ethnic media outlets.
• Include regional radio programs and national websites that are accessible and culturally
relevant in public service announcement distribution .

Hospitals can engage in a systematic approach to better identify and prevent medical errors and adverse events that commonly occur among LEP patients.

Educating hospital staff at all levels
about the need to create a culture of safety, particularly for LEP patients. Second, many hospitals do not have the information technology in place to capture data to ensure timely language assistance.