Determining the Needs of Spanish-speaking Families That Receive Ambulatory Services in the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DDBP): The Family Viewpoint.

Abstract

Background: Previous satisfaction surveys in a Midwestern developmental-behavioral pediatrics clinic showed suboptimal experiences among Spanish-speaking caregivers, particularly regarding visit length and feeling unsafe during encounters. This study sought to gather detailed information about Spanish-speaking families' experiences with ambulatory developmental-behavioral services and to address a gap in the literature on inequitable health care experiences among caregivers of children with developmental-behavioral disorders.

Methods: We collected descriptive, qualitative data on Spanish-speaking families' experiences with developmental-behavioral ambulatory care using Group Level Assessment (GLA) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods.

Results: Fifteen Spanish-speaking caregivers participated. Although interpreter services were consistently available and often described as excellent, families reported concerns about interpretation accuracy and consistency. Caregivers also noted that providers sometimes appeared rushed, particularly when language barriers led to delays or shortened encounters with non‑Spanish-speaking clinicians. Families proposed several improvements, including expanding bilingual staffing to enhance comfort and communication, strengthening oversight and training for interpreter services-especially in telehealth-and ensuring interpreters actively engage children during therapeutic sessions.

Discussion: Addressing these concerns through expanded bilingual staffing, improved interpreter quality, and more culturally responsive communication practices may substantially enhance the care experience for Spanish-speaking families and promote more equitable developmental-behavioral services.