AHA

Studies show that Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients are at higher risk for medical error in hospitals, making them more likely to suffer adverse health events. Serving LEP patients in their native language has a direct effect on patient safety and quality of care. This webinar discusses how to boost safety, quality of care and patient satisfaction in your hospital.

Cindy Brach, who leads the health literacy and cultural competence activities at Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), recently served on the National Project Advisory Committee to enhance the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services. She discusses how hospitals can improve the safety of LEP patients using the TeamSTEPPS Project and evidence-based teamwork system for health care professionals.

Joseph Molinoski, Supervisor of Pipeline Career Services at Palomar Health, discusses how Palomar Health was able to successfully create a patient-focused environment for all patients, including its 25 percent LEP patient base. To enhance quality of care for its diverse patient population, Palomar integrated a language services program into all operations at multiple locations. The language services program includes many facets to improve patient care, from establishing on-staff interpreters and a phone interpretation system to engaging the community through a student interpreter internship program.

You Will Learn:

• Cost drivers associated with LEP and the need, strategies, and resources to address them
• How to integrate a language services program at multiple levels and in multiple facilities
• The challenges and advantages of a multi-faceted language access approach
• How to engage the community in optimizing LEP care

Speakers:

• Cindy Brach, Senior Health Policy Researcher, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
• Joseph Molinoski, Supervisor of Pipeline Career Services, Palomar Health