TDNet Discover

Background: In clinical settings where effective communication between provider and patient is paramount, language barriers can significantly impact patient outcomes. One of the most vulnerable populations in this regard is individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) who face substantial obstacles in navigating the healthcare system. These patients are more likely to experience challenges in understanding medical information, adhering to treatment plans, and engaging in shared decision-making, all of which are critical to achieving positive health outcomes. Within the context of anesthesia care, the consequences of ineffective communication are particularly acute. When LEP patients are unable to comprehend or express themselves fully during their preanesthetic assessment, the quality of care is compromised. Misunderstandings can lead to miscommunication about fasting instructions, procedural expectations, or postoperative symptoms, potentially resulting in surgical delays, complications, or medicolegal consequences. Anesthesia providers may overestimate their ability to communicate in a patient’s native language or underestimate the necessity for professional interpretation. In some cases, providers may rely on informal interpreters, such as family members, friends, or untrained bilingual staff, who are not equipped to handle the technical language and confidentiality requirements of medical interpretation. Additionally, implicit biases and systemic time constraints may influence providers’ decisions regarding when and how to engage with interpreter services, resulting in inconsistent and inequitable use across healthcare settings. Despite the availability of various interpreter modalities, including in-person, video, and telephonic services, these resources are often underutilized. Barriers such as time pressures, lack of training, limited institutional protocols, or perceptions that interpreter services slow down workflow may prevent their consistent integration into clinical practice. Research indicates that the use of professional interpreter services improves patient comprehension, satisfaction, adherence to care plans, and overall health outcomes; yet significant gaps remain in the standardization of their use in anesthesia practice. This literature review aims to examine how the use of professional interpreters, delivered through in-person, video, or telephonic platforms, can enhance LEP patients’ understanding of the anesthetic plan, improve satisfaction with care, and support safer communication practices. Additionally, this review will investigate the implications of using untrained or informal interpreters and how these practices may contribute to inequities in care. By identifying evidence-based strategies and highlighting existing barriers to implementation, this review will contribute to the broader effort of promoting culturally competent and linguistically appropriate care in surgical settings.