Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Patients and Their Experience with Healthcare Disparities

Abstract

Background: Translation Assistance with Non-English-speaking patients in the Healthcare Industry Objective: This study aims to understand the reasoning for healthcare disparities among the LEP patient population and how to utilize the information gained to allow for quality healthcare outcomes. Design and Methods: The research method is based on current literature and qualitative interview processes. The methods involve research analysis and evaluation of peer conversations, surveys, focus groups, peer-reviewed articles, and scholarly articles. Groups, organizations, and scholarly articles were chosen for this analysis were selected as they contained similar and contrary ideas of support regarding the research questions. The research question is: How the delivery of healthcare information to limited English proficiency patients affects their healthcare outcomes? Results: The significance of this study is that the barriers which result in healthcare disparities for the LEP patient population require justice and accomplices not only from the legal mandates. Not-for-profit organizations, private and community hospitals, and community organizations need to partake in bipartisan teamwork for solutions. Conclusions: Healthcare disparities are high among the LEP patient population. The inequality in care and health outcomes do not discriminate between age nor gender. Healthcare disparities are of many disparities the LEP patient population face in The United States. They are all connected and will require many organizations from different finance and business world sectors to attempt to create solutions.

Keywords: LEP- Limited English Proficiency, Medical Interpreting, Medical Translation, Healthcare Interpreters, Healthcare Disparities.