Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112676

Patricia Bowman, RN, MN, School of Nursing, Medical College of Georgia, 1138 Johnson Mill Road, Jefferson, GA 30549, 706-367-4836, ppreston@mcg.edu and Betty B. Daniels, RN, MN, Community Nursing, Medical College of Georgia, 6933 Ayers Court, Atlanta, GA 30360-1302.

Language barriers significantly affect access, satisfaction and quality of health care, and contribute to health disparities identified in ethnic minorities. Eliminating these barriers requires the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services in every facet of the health care system. Although information exists regarding language services in states that have traditionally had large immigrant populations, little is known about the services in areas faced with a more recent influx. This study examines language services in a variety of health care settings in a Georgia county. Information about demographics, agency policy and procedures, interpreter utilization, training and quality control, cost and funding and barriers / problems was solicited by mail survey. The survey was adapted from one developed by the National Health Law Organization to assess language services in managed care organizations. The information from the surveys was compiled into a comprehensive assessment that served as the basis for the development of appropriate strategies for decreasing language barriers in this community. These strategies include identifying model practices and facilitating efficient utilization of resources through cooperation between agencies. These strategies and other recommendations were incorporated into a tool kit developed for health care providers in this area.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Discuss the impact that language can have on access and quality of health care in populations with limited English proficiency.
  6. Describe the current practices utilized in the provision of language services in a southern city that has experienced a comparably recent and substantial influx of residents that have limited English proficiency.
  9. Discuss best practice with regard to providing linguistic services and list resource materials that can be used to develop these practices.
  12. Recognize barriers to establishing appropriate linguistic services and identify strategies for overcoming these barriers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.