Spanish-Speaking Limited English Proficiency Patients and Call Light Use

Abstract

Introduction:

Despite a continuous increase of the limited English proficiency (LEP) population in the United States, disparities in the quality of care received in health care systems persist.

Method:

This qualitative study explores the perceptions of hospitalized LEP patients on their call light use, as well as their perceptions of a prototype of a new multilingual call light system, Eloquence™. Individual interviews were conducted with 10 Spanish-speaking patient participants.

Results:

Using a constant comparative method, the following themes emerged: (1) reasons for call light use, (2) challenges with communication, (3) patients’ adaptation to language barriers, (4) perceived staff responses to call light, and (5) responses to the Eloquence™ demonstration.

Conclusion:

Data from this study shed light on the patient care experience of LEP patients and can help guide clinicians and administrators in providing culturally and linguistically competent care.