CompletedNot Applicable

Limited English Proficiency Occupational Therapy Patients Receiving Interpreter Services Perception of Quality of Care

8 participantsStarted 2015-01-06

Plain-language summary

A systematic literature review from March through June 2014 supports the premise that limited English proficiency (LEP) persons face barriers and disparities to medical care that English-speaking persons do not face. Language barriers have a negative impact on health and health care, including lower health status, lower likelihood of having a primary care provider, lower rate of preventative care, higher use rate of diagnostic tests, higher rate of severe psychopathology diagnoses, and higher risk of drug complications . Additionally, LEP persons experience problems with effective communication with providers, inappropriate diagnoses and treatments, lower comprehension of medication instructions and adherence to regimens, fewer follow up visits, low quality care, poorer health outcomes, and low patient satisfaction. Research has proven a relationship between LEP and health care outcomes, specifically a relationship between positive outcomes and use of professional interpreters. Not sharing a common language creates a barrier to providing safe, effective, client-centered Occupational Therapy (OT) and knowledge of outcome satisfaction for this population. Using trained interpreters would reduce the barriers created by language discordance. This evidence-based project intends to measures the influence of interpreter service on LEP patients' perceived quality of care using a satisfaction survey. Gathered data will be used to consider development and implementation of practice guidelines for use of professional interpreter services for LEP patients receiving OT services at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Development and implementation of practice guidelines that include use of trained interpreters when providing OT services to LEP patients will facilitate a client-centered approach and improve quality of care for this population. The project is also being implemented as part of a degree requirement for the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy Program at Chatham University.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Must be age 18 or older * Must have a current prescription for occupational therapy (OT) that requires service for four weeks or more that span the six-week length of the project * Agree to sign the project informed consent form * Agree to complete the pre-OT satisfaction survey in its entirety at the conclusion of their OT initial evaluation and the post-4 weeks OT satisfaction survey at the end of four weeks of OT service Additional inclusion criteria for limited English proficiency (LEP) group: * Agree to use professional interpreter services * Agree to an interview at the end of four weeks of OT service Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age * Does not have a current prescription for occupational therapy (OT) that requires service for four weeks or more that span the six-week length of the project * Refusal to sign the project informed consent form * Refusal to complete the pre-OT satisfaction survey in its entirety at the conclusion of their OT initial evaluation and the post-4 weeks OT satisfaction survey at the end of four weeks of OT service * Refusal of LEP participants to use professional interpreter services * Refusal of LEP participants to be interviewed at the end of four weeks of OT service

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pre-Occupational Therapy Satisfaction Survey

Timeframe: Baseline

Post-4 weeks Occupational Therapy Satisfaction Survey

Timeframe: 4 weeks from baseline

Occupational Therapy Satisfaction Interview

Timeframe: 4 weeks from baseline

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03149276

SponsorRush University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2015-04-15

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