Cochlear implant services for Spanish speaking patients: language access and organizational health literacy of programs in the United States of America.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the accessibility of online information about cochlear implant (CI) services for Spanish speakers and evaluate organizational health literacy practices in CI programs in the United States (USA).

Method: From a list provided by Cochlear, CI programs working with at least two of three CI manufacturers were identified in eight states. Selected states had the highest and lowest Hispanic populations in each of the four US geographic regions. Online information access was evaluated based on whether programs' website links were a) listed on manufacturers' 'Find-a-Clinic' tabs, b) led directly to the CI program website, c) provided information about CIs in Spanish, and d) the readability level of such information. To examine language access, researchers determined if listed programs' phone numbers connected to the department providing CI services and the availability of Spanish speaking schedulers, audiologists, ENT surgeons, and professional interpreters (PIs).

Results: 122 CI programs met the inclusion criteria. Only 4-9% of listed programs had a link connecting directly to the CI program's website, and only 11% had Spanish-language CI information. Spanish text averaged 10th grade readability (Flesch-Kincaid). Phone contacts showed 78% of numbers connected directly to the ENT/Audiology department, while only 27% offered an initial Spanish option. PIs were available in 68% of programs.

Conclusions: Results indicate reduced language access for Spanish speakers seeking CI services in the USA, exemplified by limited access to PIs and bilingual providers, insufficient availability of information about CIs on programs' websites, and low organization health literacy practices in CI programs.