Communication errors are the most frequent root cause of serious patient safety events. These can be avoided by using qualified interpreters and establishing systematic approaches to reporting and monitoring errors.
The Limited-English-Proficient (LEP) community in the United States comprises nearly 25 million people, or 8.6% of the population. Neglecting to address their language and cultural needs can seriously affect care quality, patient safety, and hospital costs.
According to The Joint Commission, communication issues are the most common cause of serious patient safety events among LEP populations in healthcare.
In response, The Joint Commission introduced the Patient-Centered Communication Standards in 2011, highlighting the importance of effective communication, cultural competence, and patient-centered care as essential for ensuring safe and high-quality care.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has outlined strategies and activities to help healthcare leaders enhance communication and understanding between LEP patients and their caregivers.
By focusing on these strategies, organizations can reduce high error risks and address inequities, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to LEP and culturally diverse patients.
Here are 5 things healthcare organizations can do to improve patient safety for LEP patients:
Identify Errors Systematically
Adopt a systematic approach to identify and prevent medical errors and adverse events among Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients.
Create a supportive culture that prioritizes the safety of diverse patient populations. This will help your organization address the root causes of errors more effectively.
Monitor and Report
Regularly review and create quarterly or yearly safety reports and dashboards that focus on LEP patient safety. This practice will help you better understand high-risk scenarios and track progress in mitigating risks associated with LEP patients.
Prioritize Training
Training is crucial for reducing medical errors among LEP patients. Provide staff with comprehensive training and systems to develop effective strategies for reporting medical errors involving LEP patients. Training your team to work with interpreters in every encounter with LEP patients significantly lowers the risk of errors and improves overall patient care.
Foster a Learning Culture
Share lessons learned from patient safety incidents with all staff members to foster an institutional culture that is sensitive to the issues affecting LEP patients. Ensure ongoing learning and training in your area to build a more inclusive and aware healthcare environment.
Incorporate Patient Perspectives
Involve LEP patients in Family Advisory Councils, or Cultural Advisory Councils to incorporate their perspectives into your practices. This helps you better understand LEP communities’ needs, which is essential for enhancing service quality and ensuring responsive, effective care.
Moreover, by implementing these strategies, you can enhance patient safety and provide better care for LEP patients. This, in turn, leads to improved health outcomes and contributes to a more inclusive healthcare system.
If you aim to eliminate these errors, then training your staff on cultural differences and how to work with qualified medical and LEP interpreters is essential. Addressing language and cultural factors in the care of patients with Limited English Proficiency is key to overcoming these challenges.
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