Communication Training for Pediatric Hospitalists and its Impact on Clinical Practice with Families Using Languages Other than English

Abstract

ObjectiveProviding equitable healthcare for children of families speaking Language Other than English (LOE) relies on linguistic services, including interpretation and translation. Inadequate education on effectively utilizing linguistic services can lead to a knowledge gap and subsequent challenges in leveraging these services. This study aims to evaluate the educational training provided to pediatric hospitalists and its association with clinical practice. MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional survey of pediatric hospitalists was conducted through the Pediatric Research in Inpatient Setting (PRIS) network, a hospital-based independent research network. The survey was distributed to PRIS site leads with one response per institution. Associations between educational training received on proper communication with families speaking LOE and practice behaviors were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. ResultsWe received responses from 72 out of 112 PRIS hospital site-leads. Among the respondents, 56% did not receive training on communication during their Graduate Medical Education years (residency or fellowship); 47% did not receive training at their current workplace. Only 6% of those receiving workplace training reported annual updates or refresher courses. Furthermore, 26% of respondents rated the training as “good,” while 35% considered it “fair.” Respondents who received training during Graduate Medical Education years and at their workplace reported that they asserted/advocated more on behalf of patients speaking LOE than those who did not (P < .01). ConclusionPediatric hospitalists lack adequate training to communicate effectively with families speaking LOE. Increased training is associated with increased advocacy. Further work should explore increasing communication training and its effect on patient outcomes.