Interpretation Services for Patients with Limited English Proficiency in Critical Access Hospitals

Abstract

Language interpretation in rural health care settings is an important service for access to equitable, safe, quality care, particularly as many rural communities become increasingly ethnically and linguistically diverse. Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) may face additional challenges to providing language services given their small, rural nature. This brief describes common themes that emerged through interviews about language interpretation services with six CAHs located in areas with a high proportion of patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). More information about rates of LEP among U.S. counties with CAHs can be found in our data brief here.

Topics

Best Practices Community Engagement Hospital Services Patient Experience Population Health