A case study investigation of the linguistic interactions of health providers and limited-English-speaking Hispanic patients

According to the research conducted, the growth in the Hispanic population in California has had an impact on health services. Health providers have attempted to meet the needs of this population by bridging a communication gap that currently exists. This investigation studied the communication which currently exists between health providers and limited-English speaking Hispanic patients. Discourse between health providers and limited-English speaking Hispanic patients at various health facilities and cases was recorded and then analyzed. The findings revealed a breakdown in communication, incomplete information, inaccuracies due to translations, and limited comprehension from both the health providers and the patients. The translators used were not qualified to perform these functions. This investigation also identified various communication strategies currently used by health providers. The health providers used these strategies in an attempt to bridge the existing communication gap. The strategies documented and observed will aid in the development of training materials or classes.