Challenges of Treating a Patient With Limited English Proficiency
The Case Assignment for this course will be a 5-8 page essay (excluding title page and reference page). You should use a minimum of 4-5 sources (at least 2 from the Touro library) in your Case Assignment.
Based upon what you learned in the previous 4 modules, write an essay that address the following:
Reading :
Espinoza, J. & Derrington, S. (2021). Case and commentary: Peerreviewed article. How should clinicians respond to language barriers that exacerbate health inequity? AMA Journal of Ethics, 23(2), 109-116.
Case Study Questions: Using all of the elements you have learned so far about ethics and healthcare and considering language as an example in this article, answer the following questions in essay format. Provide an introduction and a conclusion with your thoughts about what works and what needs to be improved.
1. Provide a summary of the challenges that occurred with the patient in the Case Study. What happened?
2. What are some of the challenges of treating a patient with limited English proficiency (LEP)? Describe at least two challenges and find some literature to support your choices. What recommendations are provided within the literature to improve patient-provider communication when a doctor has to provide care for a patient with LEP?
3. What are two barriers described in the case study? Describe one ethical dilemma described in the study. Why is it important to address these issues?
Writing Guidelines
Essay must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins and typed in 12-point Times New Roman.
Your paper should have a title page and references page (not included in the 3-5 page total count).
Essays should be proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes.
You must cite all texts used, including page numbers to avoid plagiarism.
Make sure your paper has an introduction (with purpose statement), main points in the body of the paper, and an overall conclusion section.
Build support in your paper with background material including library sources that use the terms we discussed throughout the course/program (Use at least 2 sources from the Touro library)
Note: If you do not turn in your Case Assignment before the deadline, points may be deducted from your score for tardiness. If you anticipate a problem turning in your assignment on time, PLEASE email me in advance.
Challenges of Treating a Patient with Limited English Proficiency
Student name
Institution
Professor Name
Course
Date
Challenges of Treating a Patient with Limited English Proficiency
Language barriers in healthcare settings can exacerbate health inequities and pose significant challenges for clinicians providing care to patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). The case study presented in the article highlights the consequences of inadequate communication due to language barriers, resulting in a delayed diagnosis and worsening health outcomes for the patient. This essay aims to summarize the challenges faced in the case study, discuss the difficulties of treating patients with LEP, explore relevant literature supporting these challenges, and provide recommendations for improving patient-provider communication. The ethical dilemmas and barriers described in the case study will also be examined, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues to promote equitable healthcare.
Summary of Challenges in the Case Study
In the case study, Dr. J, an emergency department resident physician, encounters a 13-year-old patient, MM, accompanied by her father. MM and her father speak a language or dialect unavailable through the interpreter phone service (Espinoza & Derrington, 2021, p. 2). Dr. J attempts to communicate with them using broken English, leading to a suboptimal understanding of MM's symptoms. As a result, Dr. J diagnoses MM with acute gastroenteritis, provides pain relief medication, and discharges her from the emergency department (ED) (Espinoza & Derrington, 2021, p. 3). However, two days later, MM returned to the ED in a critical condition, with an abdominal abscess from a ruptured appendix, septic shock, and requiring urgent surgical intervention.
Challenges of Treating Patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Communication Barriers
Language barriers pose significant challenges in patient-provider communication. Clinicians may have difficulty understanding the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and concerns without proper communication. “Poor communication also affects clinicians’ understanding of patients’ complaints, which complicates diagnoses and interventions, prompts inadequate or excessive testing, and results in differences in length of stay and increased morbidity and mortality” (Espinoza & Derrington, 2021, p. 2). Misinterpretations or incomplete understanding can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and compromised patient safety (Espinoza & Derrington, 2021, p. 3). The case study exemplifies how ineffective communication hindered accurate diagnosis and timely intervention, resulting in adverse consequences for the patient.
According to the literature, studies have shown that patients with LEP experience decreased comprehension of medical instructions, reduced satisfaction with clinical encounters, and poorer adherence to post-discharge care regimens. Language barriers also impact clinicians’ understanding of patients’ complaints, leading to challenges in making accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions (Napoles et al., 2015, p. 941). The study by Napoles et al. (2015) sheds light on the impact of inaccurate language interpretation on healthcare outcomes for Spanish-speaking Latino patients. The research aimed to explore the frequency of interpretation errors and their implications for patient-provider communication.
The study involved audio recordings of medical encounters between spanish-speaking patients and English-speaking healthcare providers, with professional interpreters facilitating communication. The researchers analyzed the recordings to identify instances of inaccurate interpretation and their potential consequences (Napoles et al., 2015, p. 942). The study also revealed the clinical significance of inaccurate language interpretation. Patients who experienced interpretation errors reported a lower understanding of their medical conditions and treatment options. They were more likely to express confusion and dissatisfaction with their healthcare experiences (Napoles et al., 2015, p. 947). The inaccurate interpretation was associated with increased medical errors, including incorrect medication instructions, missed diagnoses, and inappropriate treatment recommendations. These errors compromised patient safety and hindered patient engagement and participation in decision-making.
Cultural and Contextual Nuances
Cultural and contextual differences are frequently accompanied by language problems, further complicating healthcare system interactions. LEP patients may have particular cultural beliefs, health practices, and attitudes regarding sickness that affect how they perceive and anticipate receiving medical care. “Language barriers make it even more difficult for patients in English-dominant environments to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and navigate the nuances of health care systems that lead to better care” (Espinoza & Derrington, 2021, p. 4). To deliver patient-centered treatment sensitive to cultural diversity, clinicians must traverse these disparities.
According to the research, cultural competence training for physicians is crucial for overcoming the difficulties of treating patients with LEP. According to research by Karliner et al. (2011), language and cultural hurdles prevented patients with poor English proficiency from getting patient-centered treatment. Improved patient satisfaction, trust, and adherence to treatment plans were connected with language-concordant care, which occurs when the physician and patient speak the same language and come from the same cultural background. The study found that individuals with LEP faced considerable difficulties receiving patient-centered treatment due to linguistic and cultural barriers (Karliner et al., 2011). These obstacles directly impacted their whole healthcare experience and results. The study’s findings also revealed that language-concordant treatment, in which the patient and the doctor spoke the same language and had similar cultural backgrounds, had several advantageous outcomes.
Limited Knowledge and Health Literacy
Understanding medical information, including written documents, vocal directions, and healthcare terminology, can be difficult for patients with poor English (Sentell & Braun, 2012). Their inability to follow treatment programs, make wise health decisions, and engage in self-care activities may result from their inadequate health literacy. Sentell and Braun (2012) study discovered that those with limited English proficiency had lower health literacy levels than those who could speak English (Sentell & Braun, 2012). This lower level of health ...