Diversity in Healthcare: Spanish-Speaking Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Course overview

For many non-English speaking persons, the national goal of access to quality healthcare is unachieved, and health disparities prevail. Many of these individuals speak Spanish as a primary language, and the Hispanic or Latino population is the largest minority group in the United States. Many healthcare organizations have resources for non-English speaking patients and families, including a telephone interpretation service, mobile phone online app, or having a medical interpreter available. A medical interpreter is ideal, although not all organizations have them available at all times. Family members are a helpful resource for individuals who need an interpreter to understand a medical procedure or condition.