Discordance Between Satisfaction and Health Literacy Among Spanish-Speaking Patients with Limited English-Proficiency Seeking Emergency Department Care
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2023
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1177/15404153211067685
Abstract
Introduction: The emergency department (ED) is one clinical setting where issues pertaining to health communication uniquely manifest themselves on a daily basis. This pilot study sought to understand satisfaction with care, perceptions of medical staff concern, awareness, and comprehension of medical care among Spanish-speaking patients with limited English-language proficiency (LEP). Methods: A two-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed among Spanish-speaking patients with LEP that presented to an ED in West Central Florida. The prospective phase consisted of semistructured interviews (n = 25). The retrospective phase analyzed existing patient satisfaction data collected at the study site (n = 4,940). Results: Content analysis revealed several linguistic barriers among this patient population including limited individual autonomy, self-blame for being unable to effectively articulate concerns, and lack of clarity in understanding follow-up care plans. Retrospective analysis suggested differences between responses from Spanish-speaking patients when compared with their English-speaking counterparts. Conclusions: Our findings suggest discordance between satisfaction and health literacy in this unique patient population. Although high satisfaction was reported, this appeared to be secondary to comprehension of follow-up care instructions.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Hispanic Health Care International, v. 21, issue 2, p. 60-67
Scholar Commons Citation
Villalona, Seiichi; Castaneda, Heide; Wilson, Jason; Romero-Daza, Nancy; Yanez Yuncosa, Mery; and Jeannot, Christian, "Discordance Between Satisfaction and Health Literacy Among Spanish-Speaking Patients with Limited English-Proficiency Seeking Emergency Department Care" (2023). Anthropology Faculty Publications. 146.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ant_facpub/146
