Limited English-Proficient (LEP) Patients: The Importance of Working with Trained Medical Interpreters to Promote Equitable Healthcare

Abstract

Approximately 60 million people in the United States speak a language other than English at home. Half of these individuals report that they speak English less than “very well.” These individuals are considered to have limited English proficiency (LEP). Linguistic barriers can lead to patient misunderstanding of treatment, misdiagnosis, significant delays in treatment, patient’s poor decision-making, ethical compromises (e.g., difficulty obtaining informed consent, medical errors, and patients not being given all available options of care), and rise in the cost of medical care. Overall, linguistic barriers have been associated with lower healthcare access and poorer physical and mental health. Providing medical interpreter services is vital to promoting equitable healthcare and in overcoming the stigma and prejudice that can be associated with being a patient with LEP.