Provider perspectives on caring for patients with limited English proficiency-a national survey of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology

Abstract

Background

In diversity, equity and inclusion research, overcoming barriers in language discordant patient care is one of the largest and most challenging gaps. It is well established that patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have higher rates of misdiagnosis, medical errors, and serious adverse events, and recommended best practices for LEP patient care are often not followed.

Objective

Our team sought to elicit provider perspectives regarding the barriers they face in caring for LEP patients—especially the unique challenges faced when caring for patients with complex and sensitive diagnoses such as gynecologic cancer.

Methods

A national survey was conducted through the Society of Gynecologic Oncology survey database during November and December of 2023. The survey included questions regarding the landscape of LEP patient care in varied geographic settings and practice types. It queried providers regarding available support and resources, as well as tools practitioners would recommend to improve care for LEP patients with gynecologic cancer. The results were assessed using descriptive statistics and Likert Scales and analyzed using t-tests, Fisher’s Exact test, Chi-square analysis and ANOVA.

Results

188 respondents completed the survey. Spanish was the most spoken non-English language in providers’ patient populations; however, 39 different languages were reported as commonly spoken. Providers reported increases in stress and a lack of time in caring for LEP patients. When asked what interventions providers would recommend to improve LEP patient care, providers asked for more in-person interpreters (40%), more written patient instructions in needed languages (32%), and more time (17%).

Conclusions

Understanding barriers to best practices in LEP patient care is vital to planning future interventions. While this survey was limited by the small percentage of respondents, it provides foundational information for future interventions intended to relieve over-burdened practitioners and systems and achieve the ultimate goal of improved outcomes for LEP patients.