National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
Data
- Data Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Data Tools
- Data Innovations
- All-Payer Claims Database
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
- AHRQ Quality Indicator Tools for Data Analytics
- State Snapshots
- United States Health Information Knowledgebase (USHIK)
- Data Sources Available from AHRQ
Search All Research Studies
AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Access to Care (4)
- Adverse Events (1)
- Ambulatory Care and Surgery (1)
- Arthritis (1)
- Behavioral Health (4)
- Cancer (4)
- Cancer: Breast Cancer (3)
- Cancer: Cervical Cancer (1)
- Cancer: Colorectal Cancer (2)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (1)
- Caregiving (4)
- Children/Adolescents (9)
- Chronic Conditions (1)
- Clinician-Patient Communication (17)
- Communication (21)
- Community-Based Practice (2)
- Comparative Effectiveness (1)
- Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) (2)
- COVID-19 (1)
- (-) Cultural Competence (64)
- Dementia (1)
- Diabetes (5)
- Diagnostic Safety and Quality (2)
- Disparities (9)
- Domestic Violence (1)
- Education: Academic (1)
- Education: Continuing Medical Education (1)
- Education: Patient and Caregiver (10)
- Elderly (1)
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (2)
- Emergency Department (3)
- Evidence-Based Practice (3)
- Family Health and History (1)
- Healthcare Delivery (6)
- Healthcare Utilization (2)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (5)
- Health Literacy (5)
- Health Promotion (1)
- Health Services Research (HSR) (1)
- Health Status (1)
- Home Healthcare (3)
- Hospital Discharge (2)
- Hospitalization (1)
- Hospital Readmissions (2)
- Hospitals (1)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (1)
- Inpatient Care (2)
- Labor and Delivery (1)
- Lifestyle Changes (1)
- Low-Income (1)
- Maternal Care (5)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) (2)
- Neurological Disorders (1)
- Newborns/Infants (1)
- Nursing (1)
- Obesity (1)
- Obesity: Weight Management (1)
- Organizational Change (1)
- Outcomes (2)
- Palliative Care (1)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (5)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (2)
- Patient and Family Engagement (4)
- Patient Experience (4)
- Patient Safety (1)
- Pregnancy (3)
- Prevention (1)
- Primary Care (6)
- Provider (4)
- Provider: Nurse (1)
- Provider: Physician (1)
- Quality Improvement (1)
- Quality of Care (2)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (35)
- Research Methodologies (2)
- Risk (1)
- Screening (4)
- Shared Decision Making (3)
- Sleep Problems (1)
- Stroke (1)
- Substance Abuse (1)
- Telehealth (2)
- Urban Health (1)
- Vulnerable Populations (5)
- Web-Based (1)
- Women (7)
AHRQ Research Studies
Sign up: AHRQ Research Studies Email updates
Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 64 Research Studies DisplayedOlaya F, Brin M, Caraballo PB
A randomized controlled trial of the dissemination of an mHealth intervention for improving health outcomes: the WiseApp for Spanish-speakers living with HIV study protocol.
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of an mHealth tool to improve adherence to HIV medication in Spanish-speaking people living in New York City and the Dominican Republic. The researchers developed the WiseApp study as a two-arm randomized controlled trial. The 248 participants from New York and the Dominican Republic were randomly assigned to receive a CleverCap pill bottle that is linked to the WiseApp (intervention) or to the standard of care (control). The participants completed surveys at the baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. Through blood draws at each study timepoint, the study team collected HIV-1 viral load and CD4 count results. Results will be forthcoming.
AHRQ-funded; HS028523.
Citation: Olaya F, Brin M, Caraballo PB .
A randomized controlled trial of the dissemination of an mHealth intervention for improving health outcomes: the WiseApp for Spanish-speakers living with HIV study protocol.
BMC Public Health 2024 Jan 17; 24(1):201. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-17538-y..
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Cultural Competence, Outcomes
DiMeo A, Karlage A, Schoenherr K
Cultural brokering in pregnancy care: a critical review.
This study is a literature review of cultural brokering during pregnancy. The authors identified 33 articles in their literature search. They found that cultural brokering is not clearly defined in the current literature. Only a few articles provided information about language concordance between cultural brokers and patients or clinicians, with no articles describing the impact of cultural brokering on health outcomes. Cultural broker facilitating was described as providing information about language concordance between cultural brokers and patients or clinicians. Barriers included misunderstanding the responsibilities, difficulty maintaining personal boundaries, and limited availability and accessibility of cultural brokers. They propose cultural brokering as interactions that cover four key aims: (1) language support; (2) bridging cultural differences; (3) social support and advocacy; and (4) navigation of the healthcare system.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: DiMeo A, Karlage A, Schoenherr K .
Cultural brokering in pregnancy care: a critical review.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023 Nov; 163(2):357-66. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.15063..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Clinician-Patient Communication, Cultural Competence
Salinas KE, Bazan M, Rivera L
Experiences and communication preferences in pregnancy care among patients with a Spanish language preference: a qualitative study.
The purpose of this study was to explore Spanish-speaking patients' experiences and preferences regarding communication during pregnancy care with specific attention to language barriers. The researchers conducted focus groups with patients with a Spanish language preference who gave birth between July 2022 and February 2023 at an academic medical center. A total of seven focus groups with 27 total participants were held. The study identified three key themes regarding preferences in patient experiences and communication when seeking pregnancy care: 1. language discordance and concordance between patients and clinicians exist on a spectrum and are not binary; 2. language-discordant care presents communication challenges, even when interpreters are present; and 3. language discordance can be effectively addressed with positive interpersonal engagements between clinicians and patients.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Salinas KE, Bazan M, Rivera L .
Experiences and communication preferences in pregnancy care among patients with a Spanish language preference: a qualitative study.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Nov 1; 142(5):1227-36. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005369..
Keywords: Maternal Care, Women, Communication, Cultural Competence, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Truong S, Foley OW, Fallah P
Transcending language barriers in obstetrics and gynecology: a critical dimension for health equity.
This article discusses the issue of language barriers in obstetrics and gynecology. The authors present two cases of language-discordant care and a framework for addressing language as a critical lens for health inequities in obstetrics and gynecology, which includes a variety of clinical settings such as labor and delivery, perioperative care, outpatient clinics, and inpatient services, as well as sensitivity around reproductive health topics. Drivers of language-related inequities at the clinician, health system, and societal level are explored in the proposed framework. They end with actionable recommendations for enhancing equitable care for patients experiencing language barriers.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Truong S, Foley OW, Fallah P .
Transcending language barriers in obstetrics and gynecology: a critical dimension for health equity.
Obstet Gynecol 2023 Oct 1; 142(4):809-17. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005334..
Keywords: Cultural Competence, Women, Maternal Care, Disparities
Ramirez M, Duran MC, Penfold RB
STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up: a cultural adaptation for Latino caregivers of people with dementia.
This paper describes what is needed to adapt the STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up (STAR-VTF), an evidence-based intervention that teaches family caregivers how to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia to Latino caregivers. This qualitative research study interviewed Spanish- and English-speaking caregivers of people with dementia who self-identify as Hispanic/Latino (N = 30) and healthcare and social service providers of older Latino clients and/or Latino family caregivers (N = 14). The authors identified three themes: (i) there was a need to increase awareness about dementia and decrease stigma; (ii) semantics mattered as certain words and phrases could be stigmatizing, offensive, or culturally inappropriate; and (iii) there was a need to incorporate into program materials the traditional family structure and nature of caregiving in Latino families. Based on findings, STAR-VTF was adapted to expand content to improve understanding of dementia, language was revised that was viewed as problematic, and cultural examples were added to reflect the range of family involvement in caring for people living with dementia and multigenerational living.
AHRQ-funded; HS026369.
Citation: Ramirez M, Duran MC, Penfold RB .
STAR-Caregivers Virtual Training and Follow-up: a cultural adaptation for Latino caregivers of people with dementia.
Transl Behav Med 2023 Sep 12; 13(9):625-34. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibad028..
Keywords: Education: Patient and Caregiver, Cultural Competence, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Dementia, Neurological Disorders
Loo S, Brady KJS, Ragavan MI
Validation of the Clinicians' Cultural Sensitivity Survey for use in pediatric primary care settings.
This study examined the validity of the Clinicians’ Cultural Sensitivity Survey (CCCS) for use in pediatric primary care, which was developed as a patient-reported survey assessing clinicians' recognition of cultural factors affecting care quality for older Latino patients. The authors adapted the survey for use with parents of pediatric patients. A convenience sampling approach was used to identify eligible parents during well-child visits at urban pediatric primary care clinic, and parents were administered the survey via electronic tablet. They first conducted exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) to explore the dimensionality of survey responses in the adapted CCSS, and then conducted a series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) using maximum likelihood estimation based on the results of the EFAs. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (N = 212 parent surveys) supported a three-factor structure assessing racial discrimination, culturally-affirming practices, and causal attribution of health problems. The 3-factor model also outperformed other potential factors in terms of fit statistics and demonstrated adequate fit.
AHRQ-funded; HS022242; HS026395.
Citation: Loo S, Brady KJS, Ragavan MI .
Validation of the Clinicians' Cultural Sensitivity Survey for use in pediatric primary care settings.
J Immigr Minor Health 2023 Aug; 25(4):790-802. doi: 10.1007/s10903-023-01469-2..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Primary Care, Cultural Competence, Healthcare Delivery
Weiner SG, Lo YC, Carroll AD
The incidence and disparities in use of stigmatizing language in clinical notes for patients with substance use disorder.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of stigmatizing language in clinical notes related to patients with substance use disorders and to detect patient- and provider-level differences. Results showed that the majority of patients with substance-related diagnoses had at least one note containing stigmatizing language. There were also several patient characteristic disparities associated with patients who had stigmatizing language in their notes. The author concluded that more clinician interventions about use of stigmatizing language are needed.
AHRQ-funded; HS026753.
Citation: Weiner SG, Lo YC, Carroll AD .
The incidence and disparities in use of stigmatizing language in clinical notes for patients with substance use disorder.
J Addict Med 2023 Jul-Aug; 17(4):424-30. doi: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001145..
Keywords: Disparities, Cultural Competence, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Hsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK
Cross-sectional association of patient language and patient-provider language concordance with video telemedicine use among patients with limited English proficiency.
The surge in telemedicine use during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to address gaps in patient care, particularly for individuals with limited English proficiency. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between patient language, patient-provider language alignment, and the type of telemedicine visit (video or phone consultation). The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using automated data from primary care telemedicine appointments scheduled between March 16, 2020, and October 31, 2020 within a comprehensive healthcare delivery system in Northern California. A total of 22,427 completed primary care telemedicine visits booked by 13,764 patients with limited English proficiency through the patient portal. The study examined the cross-sectional link between electronic health record-documented patient language (with Spanish as the reference) and patient-provider language concordance, considering patient demographics, technology access, and technology familiarity. RESULTS: The study found that among all scheduled appointments, 34.5% (n=7747) were video consultations. The three most common patient languages were Spanish (42.4%), Cantonese (16.9%), and Mandarin (10.3%). After adjusting for demographic and technology factors, video visit usage was higher for patients speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese, compared to Spanish-speaking patients, but lower for those who spoke Punjabi. Language concordance was linked to decreased video visit utilization and influenced the relationship between speaking Spanish, Cantonese, and Korean with video visit usage. Furthermore, for all language groups, patients with prior video visit experience were more likely to use video visits again.
AHRQ-funded; HS025189
Citation: Hsueh L, Huang J, Millman AK .
Cross-sectional association of patient language and patient-provider language concordance with video telemedicine use among patients with limited English proficiency.
J Gen Intern Med 2023 Feb;38(3):633-40. doi: 10.1007/s11606-022-07887-6.
Keywords: Telehealth, Health Information Technology (HIT), Cultural Competence, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Healthcare Delivery, COVID-19
Jensen JL, Sweeney A, Gill C
Evaluation of patient access to Spanish-language-concordant care on a postpartum unit.
This study evaluated patient access to Spanish-language-concordant care on a postpartum unit and to identify facilitators and barriers to the use of interpretation services. This mixed-methods study included a chart review of 50 randomly selected birthing parent-newborn couplets and interviews with 14 inpatient health care team members, and semistructured interviews at a tertiary academic medical center in the southeastern United States. The chart review included examination of patient characteristics, health care team composition including Spanish language proficiency, length of stay, number of interpreter requests, and time between clinician interpreter requests and interpreter arrival on the unit. Access to an interpreter or clinician certified in medical Spanish was offered to 12 of 50 (24%) couplets upon admission to the unit and to 7 of 50 (14%) of couplets for daily maternal and newborn medical rounds. Clinicians reported on long and unpredictable wait times to access interpreters. Temporary solutions included relying on hand gestures, broken Spanish, and smartphone apps to "get by" when communicating with patients without certified interpretation services. These deviations from national standards may put postpartum families at risk for harm.
AHRQ-funded; HS027260.
Citation: Jensen JL, Sweeney A, Gill C .
Evaluation of patient access to Spanish-language-concordant care on a postpartum unit.
Nurs Womens Health 2022 Dec;26(6):429-38. doi: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.09.002.
Keywords: Maternal Care, Cultural Competence, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication
Canedo JR, Villalta-Gil V, Grijalva CG CG
How do Hispanics/Latinos perceive and value the return of research results?
This study’s objective was to examine differences among Hispanics/Latinos by education and income in the experience and expectations about the return of research results, perceived value of specific types of information, and the least and most valuable specific information. This retrospective observational design study used a cross-sectional national survey sample of Hispanics/Latinos (n = 327). Higher educational attainment and income were both positively associated with the perceived value of getting results. Higher education respondents specifically perceived greater value in information about how lifestyle and genetics affect their risk of disease, how genetics affect how they respond to medications, their ancestry, available clinical trials near them, and how to connect with other study participants.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Canedo JR, Villalta-Gil V, Grijalva CG CG .
How do Hispanics/Latinos perceive and value the return of research results?
Hisp Health Care Int 2022 Dec;20(4):238-47. doi: 10.1177/15404153211070821..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cultural Competence, Education: Patient and Caregiver
Fowler FJ, Brenner PS, Cosenza C
How responding in Spanish affects CAHPS results.
The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of language and ethnicity with responses to CAHPS surveys and assess the effect of responding to CAHPS surveys in Spanish. The researchers surveyed patients who had received care at a Connecticut community health center within 6 or 12 months of being sent a CAHPS survey that asks about care experiences. Three hypotheses were tested: 1. Spanish speakers are more likely to choose extreme response options. 2. The meaning of the Spanish translation is different than the English version of the questions, with Spanish speakers providing different answers because of meaning differences. 3. Spanish speakers have different expectations regarding their health care than those who answer in English. Researchers evaluated any differences by ethnicity and language. The study found that those answering in Spanish gave significantly more positive reports than the other two groups on three of the five measures, and higher than the non-Hispanic respondents on a fourth. The study concluded that subjects answering in Spanish gave more positive reports of their medical experiences than Hispanics and non-Hispanics answering in English.
AHRQ-funded; HS016978.
Citation: Fowler FJ, Brenner PS, Cosenza C .
How responding in Spanish affects CAHPS results.
BMC Health Serv Res 2022 Jul 8;22(1):884. doi: 10.1186/s12913-022-08262-1..
Keywords: Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), Cultural Competence, Patient Experience, Quality of Care, Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Hunte R, Klawetter S, Paul S
"Black nurses in the home is working": advocacy, naming, and processing racism to improve Black maternal and infant health.
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine how Black women’s health, pregnancy and parenting are impacted by racism, and how the relationship between Black women’s health, pregnancy and parenting and racism-related stress are affected by a culturally-specific perinatal care program. The researchers conducted focus groups and utilized a Black Feminist approach to center the perspectives and lived experiences of Black women. Four themes surfaced in the analysis, including: 1) The widespread reach of structural racism, 2) Trust and healing facilitated through shared identities, 3) Racism directly impacts mental health, and 4) Advocacy at all levels is a vital service. The researchers concluded that structural racism has chronic and toxic effects on Black women’s physical and mental health, and Black perinatal care should include: culturally-specific approaches, advocacy, mental health support with specific attention to racism-related stress, and examination of implicit biases.
AHRQ-funded; HS026370.
Citation: Hunte R, Klawetter S, Paul S .
"Black nurses in the home is working": advocacy, naming, and processing racism to improve Black maternal and infant health.
Matern Child Health J 2022 Apr;26(4):933-40. doi: 10.1007/s10995-021-03283-4..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Women, Maternal Care, Pregnancy, Newborns/Infants, Cultural Competence
Gutman CK, Lion KC, Fisher CL
Breaking through barriers: the need for effective research to promote language-concordant communication as a facilitator of equitable emergency care.
The authors discuss the issue of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) and the high risk for adverse outcomes in the US health care system, especially in the emergency department. They point out that, although professional language interpretation improves the quality of care for these patients, it remains underused. They find few examples in the literature of rigorous interventions to improve quality of care and outcomes for patients with LEP and urge further high-quality research to improve communication with patients with LEP along the continuum of emergency care in order to achieve equity in outcomes.
AHRQ-funded; HS026006.
Citation: Gutman CK, Lion KC, Fisher CL .
Breaking through barriers: the need for effective research to promote language-concordant communication as a facilitator of equitable emergency care.
J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2022 Feb;3(1):e12639. doi: .
Keywords: Communication, Emergency Department, Cultural Competence, Clinician-Patient Communication
Squires A, Ma C, Miner S
Assessing the influence of patient language preference on 30 day hospital readmission risk from home health care: a retrospective analysis.
In home health care, language barriers are understudied. Language barriers between patients and providers are known to affect a variety of patient outcomes. How a patient's language preference influences hospital readmission risk from home health care has yet to be determined. The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to determine if home care patients' language preference is associated with their risk for hospital readmission from home health care within 30 days of hospital discharge.
AHRQ-funded; HS023593.
Citation: Squires A, Ma C, Miner S .
Assessing the influence of patient language preference on 30 day hospital readmission risk from home health care: a retrospective analysis.
Int J Nurs Stud 2022 Jan;125:104093. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.104093..
Keywords: Cultural Competence, Home Healthcare, Hospital Readmissions, Risk, Communication
Choe AY, Schondelmeyer AC, Thomson J
Improving discharge instructions for hospitalized children with limited english proficiency.
Research was conducted on an intervention for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) who are discharged from the hospital without instructions in their preferred language. The objective was to increase the percentage of patients with LEP on the hospital medicine service who received translated discharge instructions from 12% to 80%. During the 18-month study period 540 patients with LEP were discharged. Spanish was the preferred language of 66% of these patients. The percentage of patients who received translated discharge instructions increased from 12% to 50% in 3 months, and to 77% in 18 months. For Spanish-language patients, the percentage increased to 96% by 18 months.
AHRQ-funded; HS026763; HS025138.
Citation: Choe AY, Schondelmeyer AC, Thomson J .
Improving discharge instructions for hospitalized children with limited english proficiency.
Hosp Pediatr 2021 Nov;11(11):1213-22. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2021-005981.
AHRQ-funded; HS026763; HS025138..
AHRQ-funded; HS026763; HS025138..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Hospital Discharge, Clinician-Patient Communication, Cultural Competence, Communication
Tremblay ES, Ruiz J, Dykeman B
Hispanic caregivers' experience of pediatric type 1 diabetes: a qualitative study.
It is widely recognized that Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) outcomes are worse among Hispanic children; however, little is published about the perspectives of these patients and their caregivers. The intent of this study was to characterize the lived experience of Hispanic caregivers of children with T1D, focusing on the role of language and culture and their perspectives on current medical care and alternative care models.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Tremblay ES, Ruiz J, Dykeman B .
Hispanic caregivers' experience of pediatric type 1 diabetes: a qualitative study.
Pediatr Diabetes 2021 Jul 7;22(7):1040-50. doi: 10.1111/pedi.13247..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Diabetes, Caregiving, Chronic Conditions, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cultural Competence
Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hawley ST
Unmet information needs among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.
The authors sought to determine the relationship between acculturation level and unmet information needs among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. They assessed acculturation with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. They found that low-acculturated (vs high-acculturated) Hispanic women with thyroid cancer have greater unmet information needs, emphasizing the importance of patient-focused approaches to providing medical information.
AHRQ-funded; HS024512.
Citation: Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hawley ST .
Unmet information needs among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021 Jun 16;106(7):e2680-e87. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab128..
Keywords: Cancer, Women, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Education: Patient and Caregiver, Cultural Competence
Alcántara C, Giorgio Cosenzo L, McCullough E
Cultural adaptations of psychological interventions for prevalent sleep disorders and sleep disturbances: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in the United States.
This systematic review examined behavioral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on prevalent sleep-wake disorders and sleep disturbances to determine if these studies targeted underserved populations or addressed contextual and cultural factors. The authors examined sociodemographic characteristics of behavioral RCTs that targeted underserved adults, identified types of cultural adaptations (surface-level or deep-level), and described intervention effectiveness on primary sleep outcomes. Overall out of 56 studies, 6.97% targeted underserved groups (veterans, women, racial/ethnic minorities, low socioeconomic status, disability status); and 64.9% made surface-level or deep-level cultural adaptations. Most cultural adaptions were made to behavioral therapies, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). Surface-level cultural adaptions made were mostly to the delivery modality and setting. Deep-level cultural adaptations to the content and core intervention components were the most typical. Intervention effectiveness varied by type of adapted intervention and the participant population. RCTs including adapted CBT-I interventions among participants showed consistent significant reductions in adverse sleep outcomes versus control.
AHRQ-funded; HS024274.
Citation: Alcántara C, Giorgio Cosenzo L, McCullough E .
Cultural adaptations of psychological interventions for prevalent sleep disorders and sleep disturbances: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials in the United States.
Sleep Med Rev 2021 Apr;56:101455. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101455..
Keywords: Sleep Problems, Cultural Competence, Behavioral Health, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Vulnerable Populations
Kirby JB, Berdahl TA, Stone RA
AHRQ Author: Kirby JB, Berdahl TA
Perceptions of patient-provider communication across the six largest Asian subgroups in the USA.
Investigators sought to estimate racial/ethnic differences in perceptions of provider communication among the six largest Asian subgroups. Using MEPS data, they found that negative views of provider communication are not pervasive among all Asians but, rather, primarily reflect the perceptions of Chinese and, possibly, Vietnamese patients. They recommended that researchers, policymakers, health plan executives, and others who produce or use data on patients' experiences with health care avoid categorizing all Asians into a single group.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Kirby JB, Berdahl TA, Stone RA .
Perceptions of patient-provider communication across the six largest Asian subgroups in the USA.
J Gen Intern Med 2021 Apr;36(4):888-93. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-06391-z..
Keywords: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS), Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Patient Experience, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cultural Competence
Gerchow L, Burka LR, Miner S
Language barriers between nurses and patients: a scoping review.
This systematic review explored how research has examined the nursing workforce with respect to language barriers and identifies gaps for further research. Four databases were used to identify 48 studies representing 16 countries. Most studies were qualitative, with the inpatient setting most commonly studied. Studies were coded for data analysis. Coding produced four themes: interpreter use/misuse, barriers to and facilitators of quality care, cultural competence, and interventions. Regardless of setting, country, or language, nurses noted like experiences and applied similar strategies.
AHRQ-funded; HS023593.
Citation: Gerchow L, Burka LR, Miner S .
Language barriers between nurses and patients: a scoping review.
Patient Educ Couns 2021 Mar;104(3):534-53. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.017..
Keywords: Cultural Competence, Communication, Provider: Nurse, Provider
Rodriguez JA, Fossa A, Mishuris R
Bridging the language gap in patient portals: an evaluation of Google Translate.
Due to communication barriers, limited English-proficient (LEP) patients face challenges in the healthcare system. Given the language divide, the investigators sought to assess the use of Google Translate (GT) in the clinical setting and compare its efficacy to traditional human translation of patient messages. The investigators translated the messages to English using a professional translator and GT and created a series of clinical comprehension questions based on the message content.
AHRQ-funded; HS021495.
Citation: Rodriguez JA, Fossa A, Mishuris R .
Bridging the language gap in patient portals: an evaluation of Google Translate.
J Gen Intern Med 2021 Feb;36(2):567-69. doi: 10.1007/s11606-020-05719-z..
Keywords: Cultural Competence, Clinician-Patient Communication, Communication, Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Health Information Technology (HIT)
Zachrison KS, Natsui S, Luan Erfe BM
Language preference does not influence stroke patients' symptom recognition or emergency care time metrics.
The objective of this study was to determine whether acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients' language preference was associated with differences in time from symptom discovery to hospital arrival, activation of emergency medical services, door-to-imaging time (DTI), and door-to-needle (DTN) time. The investigators concluded that consistent with prior reports examining disparities in care, a systems-based approach to acute stroke prevents differences in hospital-based metrics.
AHRQ-funded; HS024561.
Citation: Zachrison KS, Natsui S, Luan Erfe BM .
Language preference does not influence stroke patients' symptom recognition or emergency care time metrics.
Am J Emerg Med 2021 Feb;40:177-80. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2020.10.064..
Keywords: Stroke, Cardiovascular Conditions, Emergency Department, Cultural Competence, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Rosas LG, Lv N, Xiao L
Effect of a culturally adapted behavioral intervention for Latino adults on weight loss over 2 years: a randomized clinical trial.
Identifying effective weight loss interventions for Latino adults at risk of diabetes is of critical public health importance. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a culturally adapted behavioral intervention for Latino adults was more effective than usual care for weight loss over 24 months. The investigators concluded that among Latino adults with high diabetes risk, a culturally adapted behavioral lifestyle intervention was effective for weight loss over 12 months but not 24 months.
AHRQ-funded; HS022702.
Citation: Rosas LG, Lv N, Xiao L .
Effect of a culturally adapted behavioral intervention for Latino adults on weight loss over 2 years: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA Netw Open 2020 Dec;3(12):e2027744. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.27744..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Obesity: Weight Management, Obesity, Cultural Competence, Diabetes, Primary Care, Outcomes, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice
Payán DD, Maggard-Gibbons M, Flórez KR
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Risk for Breast Cancer (CUIDARSE): a randomized controlled trial of a health communication intervention for Latinas.
Latinas in the United States are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer (BC) compared to non-Latinas. Literacy-appropriate and culturally sensitive cancer communication interventions can help address existing racial/ethnic BC disparities. In this study, the investigators formatively developed a new BC prevention brochure for Spanish-speaking Latinas (≥35 years) and conducted a randomized controlled trial of a health communication intervention for Latinas.
AHRQ-funded; HS019264.
Citation: Payán DD, Maggard-Gibbons M, Flórez KR .
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Risk for Breast Cancer (CUIDARSE): a randomized controlled trial of a health communication intervention for Latinas.
Health Educ Behav 2020 Aug;47(4):569-80. doi: 10.1177/1090198120920529..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Health Literacy, Education: Patient and Caregiver, Cultural Competence, Health Promotion, Communication, Women, Community-Based Practice
Cunningham-Erves J, Barajas C, Mayo-Gamble TL
Formative research to design a culturally-appropriate cancer clinical trial education program to increase participation of African American and Latino communities.
This study’s goal was to address knowledge deficiencies about cancer clinical trials and biospecimen donation that can potentially improve participation among racial and ethnic minorities. The researchers included community-based organization (CBO) leaders as research team members, conducted focus groups and cognitive interviews with community members as reviewers/consultants, and interacted with two community advisory groups. Five focus group themes were identified. A final program consisted of two versions (English and Spanish) of a culturally-appropriate slide presentation with speaker notes and videos that represent community member and researcher testimonials. It is hoped these findings will help promote cancer clinical trial participation among African Americans and Latinos.
AHRQ-funded; HS026122.
Citation: Cunningham-Erves J, Barajas C, Mayo-Gamble TL .
Formative research to design a culturally-appropriate cancer clinical trial education program to increase participation of African American and Latino communities.
BMC Public Health 2020 Jun 3;20(1):840. doi: 10.1186/s12889-020-08939-4..
Keywords: Cancer, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cultural Competence, Research Methodologies, Disparities