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Language barriers and patient-centered breast cancer care

Abstract Objective Provision of high quality patient-centered care is fundamental to eliminating healthcare disparities in breast cancer. We investigated physicians’ experiences communicating with limited English proficient (LEP) breast cancer patients. Methods Survey of a random sample of Californi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Patient education and counseling 2011-08, Vol.84 (2), p.223-228
Main Authors: Karliner, Leah S, Hwang, E. Shelley, Nickleach, Dana, Kaplan, Celia P
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Abstract Objective Provision of high quality patient-centered care is fundamental to eliminating healthcare disparities in breast cancer. We investigated physicians’ experiences communicating with limited English proficient (LEP) breast cancer patients. Methods Survey of a random sample of California oncologists and surgeons. Results Of 301 respondents who reported treating LEP patients, 46% were oncologists, 75% male, 68% in private practice, and on average 33% of their patients had breast cancer. Only 40% reported at least sometimes using professional interpretation services. Although 75% felt they were usually able to communicate effectively with LEP patients, more than half reported difficulty discussing treatment options and prognosis, and 56% acknowledged having less-patient-centered treatment discussions with LEP breast cancer patients. In multivariate analysis, use of professional interpreters was associated with 53% lower odds of reporting less-patient-centered treatment discussions (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.26–0.85). Conclusion California surgeons and oncologists caring for breast cancer patients report substantial communication challenges when faced with a language barrier. Although use of professional interpreters is associated with more patient-centered communication, there is a low rate of professional interpreter utilization. Practice implications Future research and policy should focus on increasing access to and reimbursement for professional interpreter services.
ISSN:0738-3991
1873-5134
DOI:10.1016/j.pec.2010.07.009