Effective communication is essential to delivering quality healthcare, but language barriers can create significant challenges for patients and providers. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and even medical errors, negatively impacting patient care. By overcoming language barriers, healthcare organizations can improve patient outcomes, foster trust, and create a more inclusive healthcare environment.
Best practices for addressing language barriers in healthcare settings
1. Invest in professional medical interpreters
Hiring professional medical interpreters is one of the most effective ways to overcome language barriers. Medical interpreters are trained to understand complex medical terminology and facilitate clear, accurate communication between patients and providers. While family members or untrained bilingual staff might seem like a convenient solution, they often lack the medical knowledge and objectivity required, leading to potential errors.
Best practice: Use certified medical interpreters in person or via phone to ensure accurate communication and patient understanding.
2. Leverage multilingual written materials
In addition to verbal communication, providing written materials in multiple languages helps bridge the gap between healthcare providers and patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). From consent forms and discharge instructions to patient education materials, having critical documents translated into a patient's native language ensures they understand their care plan and treatment options.
Best practice: Partner with professional translation services to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate written materials that enhance patient understanding and engagement.
3. Ensure compliance with legal standards
Healthcare organizations must comply with federal regulations and accreditation requirements that mandate providing language access services to patients with LEP.. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on national origin, which includes failing to provide adequate language access services. Additionally, The Joint Commission and the National CLAS Standards (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) set forth guidelines that healthcare providers must follow to ensure equitable care.
The Joint Commission requires accredited healthcare organizations to provide patients with qualified interpreters and translated materials to meet their language needs. The CLAS standards, established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, emphasize the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate services to improve healthcare quality for all individuals, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
Best practice: Ensure your organization complies with The Joint Commission standards and CLAS requirements by providing access to qualified interpreters, maintaining accurate documentation of language services, and regularly assessing the effectiveness of your language access policies.
4. Train healthcare staff in cultural competency
Cultural competency goes hand in hand with language access. Understanding cultural differences and how they impact communication is essential for healthcare providers working with diverse patient populations. By training healthcare professionals in cultural competency and implicit bias, they can develop better communication strategies, even when language barriers exist.
Best practice: Offer cultural competency and implicit bias training to all healthcare staff to promote respectful, empathetic interactions with patients of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Start with our foundational course, Ensuring High-Quality Care for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency.
5. Implement a language access plan
Healthcare organizations should implement a formal language access plan to ensure consistent and effective communication. This plan should outline procedures for identifying patients with language needs, determining how interpreters or translation services will be used, and monitoring the effectiveness of language access services. It's important to regularly update this plan to align with evolving best practices and patient demographics.
Best practice: Develop and maintain a comprehensive language access plan that provides a clear framework for staff and ensures that patients with LEP receive equitable care.
6. Empower patients to advocate for themselves
Patients should feel empowered to advocate for themselves when they face language barriers. Encourage patients to speak up when they don't understand instructions or medical information, and make it easy for them to request interpretation services.
Best practice: Create an environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions and remind them that it's their right to access language assistance if needed.
Improving healthcare outcomes by overcoming language barriers
By using professional medical interpreters, complying with legal and accreditation standards, providing culturally appropriate written materials, and training staff in cultural competency, healthcare organizations can deliver better, safer care to all patients, regardless of language differences. Implementing these best practices ensures all patients have an equal opportunity to understand their health and participate in their care.
Further reading:
- Language Access Plans for Healthcare Organizations
- Joint Commission Health Equity Standards
- How to Meet the 4 Most Important CLAS Standards
- Effective Communication with LEP Populations
- Best Practices for Working with Patients with LEP in Healthcare
