Language Interpretation Services Research Articles

Examining the association between professional language interpreter services and intensive care unit utilization among patients with non-English language preference: Evidence from a large U.S. hospital

ObjectiveTo examine the healthcare utilization of patients with non-English language preference (NELP) who utilized a professional language interpreter (PLI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to similar patients with NELP who did not utilize a PLI in the ICU. MethodsSingle center cohort study of patients with NELP with at least one ICU admission a large academic medical center in the U.S. Midwest (1/1/2008-12/31/2022). The first model examined ICU length-of-stay (LOS) using a negative binomial and the second model examined whether a patient was readmitted to the ICU using a logistic regression with each model controlling for PLI utilization and covariates. ResultsPatients with NELP who utilized a PLI in the ICU had 0.87-days longer in the ICU (p<0.01) and had a 46% decreased odds of being readmitted to the ICU (p<0.01) than a comparable patient with NELP who did not utilize a PLI in the ICU. ConclusionProviding patients with NELP with access to a PLI in the ICU can improve patient outcomes and reduce language barriers. Practice implicationsThese results can provide the justification to potentially increase PLI staffing levels or increase the access to existing PLIs for more patients with NELP in ICUs.

82 Assessing the usage of and barriers to using language interpretation services in a Canadian tertiary paediatric center

Abstract Background Canada has one of the highest immigration rates worldwide per population with roughly 447,180 permanent residents welcomed in 2022. Limited-English proficiency (LEP) populations face barriers in accessing health care with implications including delayed presentation, misdiagnosis, poor compliance, decreased patient comprehension, and adverse events. Adequate health care provider training in using language interpretation services (LIS) is crucial to improve the quality of patient care and reduce miscommunication. There is a lack of research in this area in Canadian paediatric populations. Objectives To identify attitudes towards and usage of LIS among health care providers in a tertiary paediatric center, as well as levels of LIS training received. Design/Methods An online survey was developed and distributed to paediatric health care professionals including physicians, residents/fellows, nursing staff, and allied health providers. Survey completion was anonymous and voluntary; data collection occurred from October 2022–February 2023. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data and thematic analysis for free text responses. Results 345 respondents accessed the survey and 281(81%) completed it. Multiple paediatric professions were surveyed with most responses stemming from nursing staff, residents and physicians, and other allied health. 52.8% of respondents encountered a paediatric patient and/or their caregivers with a language barrier in English once per week or more. LIS were used by 53.1% of respondents once per week or more. 51.5% of respondents reported no previous training in using LIS in patient care, and 3.6% reported previous formal training. 57.9% of respondents felt LIS training was very beneficial to their role and 53.7% reported this increased their LIS usage. Overall, in-person interpreters were perceived as the most effective LIS modality followed by video and telephone interpreters. Barriers to using LIS included: inability to access desired modality and/or language; insufficient time; and lack of comfort in effective usage. Conclusion It was evident respondents felt LIS was integral to patient care, especially with an increasingly diverse population. Multiple barriers to using LIS were identified with likely applicability to other Canadian paediatric facilities. Suggested improvements were themed around improving LIS accessibility, improving LIS education and awareness, and increasing access to rare languages. This study has important implications for LIS and paediatric care, including informing educational and advocacy initiatives, policy change, and LIS resource allocation.

‘Where is the diversity in this facility?’ Experiences of emergency care among visible minority individuals in Kingston, Ontario

ABSTRACT Introduction Visible minorities, a growing segment of Canada's population, have voiced concerns about experiencing racism while receiving care in the emergency department (ED). Understanding the ED care experiences of visible minorities is crucial to improving care and reducing health disparities. Methods From June to August 2021, we collected data from participants in Kingston, Ontario using a sensemaking approach. Individuals who had accessed emergency care or accompanied someone else to the ED in the prior 24 months were eligible to participate. After sharing a brief narrative about their care experience, participants interpreted the experience by plotting their perspectives on a variety of pre-determined questions. Here, we conducted a thematic analysis of narratives involving patients who identified as visible minorities and complemented it with quantitative analysis of the participants’ interpretative responses. This mixed-methods approach highlighted the distinct experiences of visible minority participants in relation to a comparison group. Results Of the 1973 unique participants, 117 identified as a visible minority and 949 participants did not identify with an equity-deserving group (comparison group). Visible minority participants were more likely to report that too little attention was paid to their identity and more likely to express a desire for a balance between receiving the best medical care and being treated with kindness and respect. Visible minorities’ ED experiences were also more likely to be impacted by how emergency staff behaved. Qualitative analysis revealed negative experiences of feeling uninformed and disempowered, facing judgement and discrimination, and experiencing language barriers. Positive experiences of receiving compassionate care from staff also emerged. Conclusion Visible minority perceptions of ED care were often negative and mainly focused on staff treatment. Cultural competency and language translation services are key areas for improvement to make ED care more accessible and equitable.

Opportunities and lessons learned from a retrospective analysis of administrative billing data to understand the language profile of high-risk close contacts of COVID-19 cases in Ontario.

During a public health emergency, it is vital to have access to data sources that can identify communities disproportionately affected and to ensure public health communications are meeting the needs of diverse populations. To explore how administrative billing data for language interpretation services could be used as an additional source of information to understand the language profile of high-risk close contacts of COVID-19 cases. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using administrative billing data from Public Health Ontario's Contact Tracing Initiative from May 2020 to February 2022. Data from the Contact Tracing Initiative were utilized to identify drivers that could have influenced patterns in language interpretation requests. Trends were compared with community language profiles using 2021 Canadian Census data. Interpreters responded to 2,604 requests across 38,518 interpretation minutes and provided information in 50 different languages. The top five requested languages were French, Arabic, Spanish, Punjabi and Mandarin. Five distinct periods were identified of different language predominance including Spanish in spring/summer 2020, French in summer/fall 2020 and Arabic in spring 2021. Overall, these trends aligned with the language profile of health units contributing most submissions. Public health agencies could benefit from using existing secondary data sources to understand the language interpretation needs of their communities. This study also demonstrated how existing data sources could be used to help assess how communities are being disproportionately affected by public health emergencies and how this might change over time.

Abstract C179: Train the trainer series in Southern California a call to action for cancer prevention and screening

Abstract Background: Alarmed by low rates of cancer screening in disenfranchised communities and medical deserts in Southern California, City of Hope launched a cancer prevention and control training program to broadly disseminate cancer screening and healthy living educational resources to Health Educators who serve the most vulnerable within our Catchment areas. Methods: The project was IRB approved as exempt came internally from City of Hope. To increase cancer prevention and uptake of cancer screening, we focused on training of Community Health Workers (CHW) from Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s), community hospitals, faith-based organizations. This community co-designed training included Cancer 101 , on best practice for Breast, Cervical, Colorectal, Lung, and Prostate screening, and Clinical and Biospecimen Studies and SB 987. Complete and online redcap enrollment survey, along with 2 brief pre and post surveys per series topic. The presentations and surveys will be facilitated by COE staff. Trainees completed surveys via RedCap. Surveys will be conducted via Redcap. Results: TTT series trained 101 trainees on 8 topics. Trainees included: Asian (14.9%), Black/African-American (6.9%), Latino/Hispanic (73.3%), Pacific Islander (2.0%), White/European American (5, 5.0%), Mix (3.0%). The gender identities trained were Male (10.9%), Female (87.1%), Transgender: Female to Male (2.0%). Facilitators of screening included Someone to talk about worries/fears about cancer (73.0%), Someone to go with and help at the appointment (53.0%), Paid time off from work (63.0%), Clinical provider recommendation/encouragement (57.0%), Free/ Low cost exams (81.0%), Insurance to pay for exams (68.0%), Free transportation (64.0%), Child care services (53.0%), In-language educational materials (62.0%), Language Interpretation services (51.0%), Community education programs (66.0%), Gift Cards or Incentives (4.0%).The participants' education level was mostly college educated (64.0%), high school (33.0%), and less than high school (3.0%). The top 3 cancers affect our community the most are breast, colon, and lung. Conclusion: The conclusion is community partners are ready to be engaged and trained in cancer prevention and screening. Cancer centers, leveraging their COE, can respond to this call to action. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Lauren D'Souza, Brenda Gascon, James Morrison, Veronica Tejada, Alexis Garden, Jose Gomez, Sophia Yeung. Train the trainer series in Southern California a call to action for cancer prevention and screening [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C179.

Business Model Formulation For Yarn Store As Cultural Tourism

This study aims to develop a sustainable business model for the first physical store of Mondu Crafts, a yarn store targeting cultural tourism. Research objectives include analyzing market characteristics, identifying factors affecting the business, and designing a suitable strategy. A mixed-method approach was used, employing questionnaires and interviews, analyzed through descriptive and cross-tabulation methods. Key findings indicate strong interest in Mondu Crafts, especially among females aged 17-35. High-income groups face time constraints, while lower-income groups face budget limitations. Strategies such as offering free, short trial workshops are recommended. Results highlight the trend for one-stop shops, integrating sightseeing, food, activities, and souvenirs. Long-term sustainability suggestions include integrating AI-based language translation services and eco-friendly initiatives. Establishing Mondu Crafts Cafe &amp; Store in Bandung is both market-viable and financially feasible, with potential expansion to Bali for a broader reach. The study provides practical insights for developing a robust Business Model Canvas for a creative economy as a cultural tourism.

A Mixed-methods Approach to Understanding Language Interpretation Services in Health Care Settings among Asian American Immigrants from Diverse Ethnic Backgrounds

Abstract: Background. Asian Americans (AA) face cultural and linguistic barriers to health care access, resulting in poor health outcomes. This study investigates the experiences of AAs using language interpretation services (LIS) in health care settings. Methods. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a community survey (N=401) and seven focus groups between April and September 2023. We use the Andersen model to understand the experience around LIS for AAs and calculated descriptive statistics for predisposing (i.e., sociodemographic factors and attitudes toward LIS), enabling (i.e., perceived barriers), and need factors (i.e., perceived need for LIS). Focus groups were analyzed using a modified template approach to text analysis. Results. Quantitative and qualitative analyses found that although AAs recognize the benefits and need for LIS, various barriers (e.g., lack of interpreters when booking an appointment) preclude these communities from accessing these services. Conclusions. Results from this study will help inform interventions that seek to improve LIS within health care systems.

Understanding person-centered care within a complex social context: A qualitative study of Saudi Arabian acute care nursing.

Policy reforms implemented in Saudi Arabia in recent years aim to modernize the culture and infrastructure of healthcare delivery and are expected to integrate person- and patient-centered care principles throughout the national healthcare system. However, in a complex multicultural environment where most nurses are international migrant workers, unique challenges emerge that frame the delivery of care. Better understanding is needed about what nurses perceive to be high-quality, person-centered care in Saudi Arabia and how they manage to enact it in practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nurses working in two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, the capital city. Participants included Saudi citizens (n = 9) and expatriates (n = 12) who were asked to describe their perceptions of quality nursing care and explain the obstacles that they encounter in providing such care. Nurses reported extensive efforts to achieve individualized, empathetic, developmentally appropriate care. Their descriptions of care aligned with principles of patient-centeredness in care but were not separable from challenges at the patient, organizational, and regional levels, including staffing and supplies shortages, gaps in regional care coordination, inadequate language translation services, variability in cultural beliefs about healthcare communication, and overt discrimination against expatriate workers. Nurses reported creative strategies to achieve professional nursing values while navigating a dynamic landscape of constraints. The findings add to literature suggesting that person-centeredness in care cannot be understood outside the social and organizational conditions that shape it.

Participant adherence in a lung cancer screening (LCS) program in a non-smoking population.

10556 Background: LCS guidelines in smoking populations includes an annual low-dose CT Chest (LDCT) scan. Historically, real-world adherence to repeat imaging following the baseline LDCT has been low at 22% (Silvestri et al. Chest 2023). Various reasons for non-adherence have been cited and can be amplified in populations where English is not the primary language, low health literacy, or logistical reasons that interfere with scheduling. We are conducting the Female Asian Nonsmoker Screening Study (FANSS), which is a pilot study for Asian women with no smoking history to provide LDCTs to this population. We describe the strategies utilized to address potential barriers to adherence and report the participant (pt) adherence observed to date for this population. Methods: FANSS is an IRB-approved trial that provides LDCTs annually for 3 years and has an interim follow-up phone call every 6 months. All aspects of the study other than the LDCT could be conducted virtually pending pt preference. All pt interactions were conducted in the pt’s requested language. LDCTs were interpreted according to Lung-RADS. Review of the LDCT results were available in-person or virtually by a nurse practitioner or the principal investigator. The timeline for the 2nd and 3rd LDCT after the baseline scan was determined as follows: pts with negative findings were recommended for a repeat LDCT in 1 year; pts with suspicious findings were reviewed at the NYU Multidisciplinary Nodule Board and recommended for a repeated LDCT in a 3 or 6 month interval. A bilingual (English and Chinese speaking) research coordinator and medical secretaries reached out to pts at their preferred contact (email, phone, or text) for scheduling the follow-up LDCT. Up to three attempts to reach pts to schedule their follow-up LDCT were made. Results: From 3/5/21 to 1/27/24, 634 subjects completed their baseline LDCTs. Language interpretation services were utilized in 30% of pts. As of 1/27/24, 215 pts were due for their 2nd LDCT: 195 (91%) completed (186) or scheduled (9) the LDCT, 5 pts withdrew their consent, and 15 did not complete the scan. The main reasons for not completing the scans were: living outside New York City, other health concerns, and lost to follow-up. As of 1/27/24, 95 pts were due for their 3rd LDCT: 87 (92%) completed (82) and scheduled (5) the LDCT, and 8 did not complete the scan due to being lost to follow-up. Conclusions: The FANSS population is a unique pt cohort comprised of all Asian women who do not qualify for current LCS guidelines. Interventions to address potential adherence issues were implemented. In our research-based setting, virtual conduct of most of the study procedures allowed pt flexibility. Pt outreach to ensure follow-up by contacting through various methods also ensured adherence of &gt;90%. These interventions can be considered for use in other LCS programs to improve adherence to LCS follow-up.

Sign Language Detection

Sign language serves as the primary mode of communication for millions of individuals worldwide with hearing impairments. Despite its importance, the availability of sign language interpretation services remains limited, contributing to significant communication barriers. To address this challenge, we propose the development of a web application leveraging state-of-the-art deep learning techniques for real-time sign language detection and translation. Key words : Sign language recognition, Gesture recognition, Machine learning algorithms, Human-computer interaction, Hand pose estimation, Image processing

How Health Care Organizations Are Implementing Disability Accommodations for Effective Communication: A Qualitative Study

Prior studies have documented that, despite federal mandates, clinicians infrequently provide accommodations that enable equitable health care engagement for patients with communication disabilities. To date, there has been a paucity of empirical research describing the organizational approach to implementing these accommodations. The authors asked US health care organizations how they were delivering these accommodations in the context of clinical care, what communication accommodations they provided, and what disability populations they addressed. In this study, 19 qualitative interviews were conducted with disability coordinators representing 15 US health care organizations actively implementing communication accommodations. A conventional qualitative content analysis approach was used to code the data and derive themes. The authors identified three major themes related to how US health care organizations are implementing the provision of this service: (1) Operationalizing the delivery of communication accommodations in health care required executive leadership support and preparatory work at clinic and organization levels; (2) The primary focus of communication accommodations was sign language interpreter services for Deaf patients and, secondarily, other hearing- and visual-related accommodations; and (3) Providing communication accommodations for patients with speech and language and cognitive disabilities was less frequent, but when done involved more than providing a single aid or service. These findings suggest that, in addition to individual clinician efforts, there are organization-level factors that affect consistent provision of communication accommodations across the full range of communication disabilities. Future research should investigate these factors and test targeted implementation strategies to promote equitable access to health care for all patients with communication disabilities.

AI Based Multilingual College Enquiry Voice Bot Using Python

Abstract: This paper addresses the growing need for seamless cross-language communication in our global society. Leveraging AI, it offers a versatile conversational agent capable of understanding and responding to inquiries in multiple languages. Through speech recognition and advanced NLP, the system interprets user intent and retrieves relevant information from a college database. Integrated language translation services enable communication in various languages namely-Kannada, English, Tamil and Telugu enhancing accessibility. Responses are dynamically translated into the user's preferred language using text-to-speech conversion. This project demonstrates AI's potential in bridging linguistic barriers and improving access to educational resources. Future enhancements could include personalized responses and expanded language support in five South Indian languages, further enriching the user experience and solidifying the bot's role as a valuable educational tool.

Natural Language Processing Influence on Digital Socialization and Linguistic Interactions in the Integration of the Metaverse in Regular Social Life

The Metaverse and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies have combined to fundamentally change the nature of digital sociability. Our understanding of social interaction needs to be reevaluated as the Metaverse’s influence spreads into more areas of daily life, such as AI-driven gaming, interactive training companions, museum exhibits, personalized fitness coaching, virtual mental health assistance, language translation services, virtual tour guiding, and virtual conferencing. This study analyzes how NLP is changing social relationships in these Metaverse applications. We examine how NLP algorithms influence societal norms, individual behaviors, interpersonal connections, and improve the user experience using a multi-method approach incorporating user surveys and sentiment analysis. Our study’s findings show how NLP can enhance interactive experiences while also pointing out related issues like potential bias and moral problems. Our study provides a foundational analysis, shedding light on the challenges of negotiating a social environment in the Metaverse that is molded by cutting-edge NLP. It offers stakeholders in academia and public policy essential assistance that helps them understand and manage the complex ramifications of this changing socio-technological paradigm.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND AI INTEGRATION INTO TEACHING AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE

The dynamics of teaching and learning have changed due to the rise of modern technologies, mainly social media and artificial intelligence (AI). This study determined the elementary teachers' response to the emerging use of social media and AI in educational methods and how these may impact the students' learning. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire composed of social media and AI use and views on the role of educators in the digital age. Statistical methods, including mean and standard deviation, were used in data analysis. The respondents demonstrated their proficiency in using social media and AI, representing a range of instructional roles and experience levels. Results indicate that Facebook and YouTube are frequently used online for assistive instructional information. Moreover, various AI techniques were used, such as automated grading systems, tailored learning platforms, and language translation services. Teachers incorporated these technologies and emphasized the need for further professional development; this shed light on the strategic integration of social media and AI in education holds tremendous potential to revolutionize learning paradigms, foster collaboration, and cultivate personalized learning experiences. However, it requires careful navigation of ethical, privacy, and accessibility considerations to harness its full benefits and ensure inclusivity and integrity within educational ecosystems.

(119) Impact of Ethnicity on Clinical Outcomes of Intralesional CCH in Peyronie's Disease Patients Across Kaiser Permanente Southern California Database

Abstract Introduction Intralesional CCH injection is an effective treatment for Peyronie’s disease (PD) that utilizes collagenolytic enzymes to break down collagen plaque, thus reducing the penile deformity. The IMPRESS I and II clinical trials demonstrated efficacy of CCH in a predominant Caucasian population of men (95.8%). Little is known about treatment efficacy in the non-Caucasian population. Objective Using Kaiser Permanente’s ethnically diverse database, we sought to study the impact of race on CCH treatment outcomes. Methods This study examined the efficacy of intralesional CCH injection in a large healthcare system over 15 years. We defined treatment efficacy as percent change in penile curvature abnormality from baseline after a maximum of 4 treatment cycles. Impact of comorbidities on CCH efficacy was also examined. Patients with ventral curvature or initial curvature &amp;lt;30 ̊ or &amp;gt;90 ̊ were excluded from analysis. Standard statistical analysis was performed. Results 112 patients underwent CCH therapy and were included in this analysis. 46.4% of men completed all 4 cycles. Among men who received CCH, 66.1% were Caucasian, 22.3% Hispanic, and 9.8% African American. For co-morbidities, 87.5.% of men were not diabetic, while 22.3% of men had erectile dysfunction. The mean baseline pre-injection penile curvature was 51.63 degrees (range was 32-87 degrees). Caucasian men had the largest treatment response to CCH (45.6% decrease in penile curvature) compared to African American men (43.7%) and Hispanic men (40.5%), p = 0.9554. Non-diabetic men had a larger treatment response to CCH (44.9% decrease in curvature versus 39.3% in diabetics, p = 0.4726). Younger Men (age 18-44) also experienced a greater treatment response compared to other age groups (57.9% reduction in curvature, p = 0.171). There was a significant difference in number of cycles completed across different ethnicities (p = 0.0220). Hispanic men were significantly less likely to complete all 4 cycles of CCH compared to Caucasian and African American men (p=0.0004). Only 28.2% of Hispanic men completed all 4 treatment cycles. 48% of Hispanic patients report the need of language interpretation services during health appointments. Conclusions This is the largest post-market analysis of CCH treatment outcomes in a racially diverse PD population. Caucasian men had a greater treatment response after CCH injection possibly due to higher rate of completing all 4 treatment cycles. Nondiabetic men and younger men (aged 18 to 44) also had a greater treatment response after CCH injection. Hispanic men were significantly less likely to complete 4 cycles of injection therapy; possible explanations include language barriers. Future study is needed to determine if patient resources prepared in Spanish can improve treatment outcomes in Hispanic men with PD, and reduce these health care disparities observed in our study. Disclosure No.

COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES OF PATIENTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY IN THE OTOLARYNGOLOGY CLINIC SETTING

In the United States, people with limited English proficiency (LEP) and lower health literacy have reduced access to care and poorer health outcomes. There is a lack of data on how to best provide language assistance services in the ambulatory setting. This study will evaluate what type of professional language interpretation services are preferred by LEP patients in the otolaryngology clinic population. Our study aims are 1) to assess the communication preferences of patients with LEP in the healthcare setting regarding interpreter services, 2) to determine if there are specific LEP patient demographics that correlate with communication preferences in the healthcare setting regarding interpreter services, and 3) to determine if there is a correlation between health literacy and degree of language barrier, and if there is, to what degree, and how may this affect the patient’s preferences and experience. LEP adult patients and adult caregivers of pediatric patients treated at 5 of Loyola University Medical Center Otolaryngology clinic sites will be consented and given a one-time study questionnaire to complete in their native language. The questionnaire will ask about the patient’s background, place of birth, primary place of birth, primary language, years living in the United States, self-reported English language proficiency and fluency, self-reported health status, and preferences for the type of language support services. Health literacy will be assessed with the Brief Health Literacy Screen. Targeted interventions can potentially be designed and incorporated in the healthcare setting based on the data and identified communication preferences and the demographic correlations. This in turn has the potential to reduce healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for LEP patients.

Design and Application of Language Translation System Resource Platform on Basis of Artificial Intelligence

In daily lives, people often use translators for cross-language translation, but the current translation system has the problem of translation accuracy, and its translation speed also has some limitations. Artificial intelligence has begun to develop, and the language translation system resource platform based on artificial intelligence has gradually attracted attention. The design and application of this platform are of great significance for providing high-quality and efficient language translation services. This research proposes and demonstrates a language translation system resource platform based on artificial intelligence technology. The platform is based on artificial intelligence technology for hardware resources, network resources, and the use of artificial intelligence algorithms to achieve language translation that is accurate and smooth. Through experimental testing, the results showed that the translation accuracy of the system platform reached 95-99%. The platform provides quality and efficient language translation services which can promote and facilitate human cross-language communication and understanding.

Revolutionizing AI in Education: A Review of Ethical Challenges and Frontiers

AI driven language learning platforms and applications have revolutionized traditional teaching methods by offering interactive and adaptable tools. These platforms provide personalized study schedules and appropriate materials using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms based on the participants’ proficiency level, learning preferences and skills. The integration of AI in foreign language education through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) enables immersive learning experiences. With the help of such interactive virtual environments, our students may practice their speaking skills in authentic contexts while gaining a greater awareness of cultures. AI also has an impact on language assessment since automated evaluation systems examine students' spoken and written language. Immediate feedback on pronunciation, grammar and proficiency enables targeted interventions to effectively address specific knowledge gaps. AI-driven language translation services help overcome language barriers, fostering intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. These programs help people with different linguistic origins to exchange ideas, promoting multi-cultural understanding and fostering a more interconnected network. However, the use of AI in language learning raises ethical concerns, including data privacy and biases in language models. To ensure responsible and efficient foreign language learning, it is crucial to balance maximizing AI’s potential with addressing its challenges. AI's revolutionizes foreign language education by making it more individualized, immersive, and inclusive for students with different learning styles. In this regard, teachers’ role is decisive in unleashing AI's full potential to foster linguistic competency and embrace a linked global community by its conscious and ethical use.

Social Determinants of Health in Imaging-based Cancer Screening: A Case-based Primer with Strategies for Care Improvement.

Health disparities, preventable differences in the burden of disease and disease outcomes often experienced by socially disadvantaged populations, can be found in nearly all areas of radiology, including emergency radiology, neuroradiology, nuclear medicine, image-guided interventions, and imaging-based cancer screening. Disparities in imaging-based cancer screening are especially noteworthy given the far-reaching population health impact. The social determinants of health (SDoH) play an important role in disparities in cancer screening and outcomes. Through improved understanding of how SDoH can drive differences in health outcomes in radiology, radiologists can effectively provide patient-centered, high-quality, and equitable care. Radiologists and radiology practices can become active partners in efforts to assist patients along their imaging journey and overcome existing barriers to equitable cancer screening care for traditionally marginalized populations. As radiology exists at the intersection of diagnostic imaging, image-guided diagnostic intervention, and image-guided treatment, radiologists are uniquely positioned to design these strategies. Cost-effective and socially conscious strategies that address barriers to equitable care can improve both public health and equitable health outcomes. Potential strategies include championing supportive health policy, reducing out-of-pocket costs, increasing price transparency, improving education and outreach efforts, ensuring that appropriate language translation services are available, providing individualized assistance with appointment scheduling, and offering transportation assistance and childcare. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Epidemiology of latent tuberculosis infection in Japan-born and foreign-born children in Japan.

This study aims to compare the epidemiology of notifications of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among Japan-born and foreign-born children in Japan between 2010 and 2020, and to assess the language used during LTBI case interviews with parents or caregivers of foreign-born children with LTBI during 2019. Our study consisted of two parts: (1) an analysis of national data from the Japan Tuberculosis Surveillance (JTBS) system on the epidemiology of LTBI among Japan-born and foreign-born children in Japan, and (2) a survey of staff at public health centres that had registered at least one foreign-born child aged ≤14 years with LTBI. Data were extracted from the JTBS system for all children aged ≤14 years who were newly notified as having LTBI between 2010 and 2020, and analysed to determine trends, characteristics and treatment outcomes. Staff at relevant public health centres completed a self-administered survey. A total of 7160 Japan-born and 320 foreign-born children were notified as having LTBI between 2010 and 2020. Compared with Japan-born children, foreign-born children notified as having LTBI were more likely to be older, have their mother or sibling as their source of infection and have LTBI detected via a routine school health check. At case interviews, the use of language interpretation services was limited, even when both parents were non-Japanese. No interview was directly conducted with children themselves, not even with school-aged children. Foreign-born children and their parents may be unfamiliar with the system of testing for TB infection and the diagnosis of LTBI in Japan in school settings. Public health centres are required to provide education to patients and their families and care that takes into account cultural and linguistic differences. However, the provision of language support during case interviews may need strengthening.