Creating a Tool to Assess Interpretive Services Perceptions at a Hospital System Level

Abstract

The importance of using professional interpretive services (IS) when communicating with patients and families with limited English proficiency (LEP) is well described in the literature. There is no standardized tool to reliably evaluate IS from the point of view of bedside care providers. Collected local qualitative data and literature review informed an anonymous electronic survey that was distributed to physicians and nursing staff at a tertiary care children’s hospital. Authors then used exploratory factor analysis to analyze results. Survey response rate was 27%. Seven key factors were identified; the original survey was revised using the two most impactful questions contributing to each factor. Re-analysis showed Pearson correlation coefficients at or above 0.9. Using this simplified 14 question questionnaire, hospital systems can assess the knowledge, attitudes, self-reported utilization and perceived barriers around IS, allowing for targeted interventions to improve the care of LEP patients.