Non-English Speaking Patients Have Similar Adherence to Recommendations with Institutional or Family-provided Translation and Navigation Services

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with liver disease often require multifaceted approach to evaluation and treatment. Individuals with potentially life-threatening disorders benefit from education about their disease and adherence to medical recommendations. Research has demonstrated that individuals who are not proficient in the language of their physician are less compliant. Translation and patient navigation services can improve adherence to recommendations. However, medical groups may not always have the ability to provide these services. This study compared the compliance rate of patients with liver disease who received translation and navigation services provided by the institution to those who received services by a recruited family member. Methods: All medical records of consecutive non-English speaking patients with liver disease who received documented translation and navigation services were evaluated. Patient gender, age, primary language, compliance with recommendations and type of translation and navigation services were documented. A database was created using Microsoft Excel®. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact test with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Twenty-six medical records of non-English speaking patients with documented translation and navigation assistance were reviewed. There were 15 men and 11 women, with a mean age of 60.3 years. The primary languages were Spanish (38%), Arabic (23%) and Anharic (19%). In the 14 patients (54%) who received translation and navigation services provided by the institution, 13 complied with all of the physician recommendations. In the 12 patients (46%) who received translation and navigation services by a recruited family member, 10 complied with all of the physician recommendations. There was no significant difference (p=1) in the rate of compliance with medical recommendations if translation and navigation services were provided by the institution or the family. Conclusion: Translation and patient navigation services can improve adherence to medical recommendations. Patients with complex medical disorders who are not proficient in the language of their physicians may benefit from these services. However, there are no studies that evaluate the effect of institutionally-provided or family-provided translation and navigation services in a gastroenterology practice. This study reveals that non-English speaking patients had excellent adherence to medical recommendations with translation and navigation services. There is no difference in the patient compliance based upon whether services are provided by the medical group or a recruited family member.