- Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.
Effectiveness of language interpretation (Spanish)using face to face versus language line (both by qualified/certified interpreter) in reducing patient safety medication errors in prescription compliance (West Coast, East Coast, Mid-West and South)
- Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)
yes
- If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:
Face to Face Spanish language interpretation versus a telephonic language line interpretation both by a certified interpreter using Spanish (parallel to the local predominant dialect)
- What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)
all patients who need "Spanish" interpretation or whose parents or guardians need "Spanish" interpretation" related to prescribed medication
- Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)
All patients requesting Spanish interpretation related to prescribed medication
- Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)
Reduce patient safety risks of not communicating allergies and in understanding how to take medications due to not understanding prescription instructions
- Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.
Overdosing, under-dosing, and understanding medication timing related to food with any contraindicated drug to drug or drug to food instructions.
Appropriateness for EHC Program
- Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?
yes
- Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)
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- EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)
- Arthritis and nontraumatic joint disorders
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease, including stroke and hypertension
- Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease
- Depression and other mental health disorders
- Developmental delays, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism
- Diabetes mellitus
- Functional limitations and disability
- Infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS
- Obesity
- Peptic ulcer disease and dyspepsia
- Pregnancy, including preterm birth
- Pulmonary disease/asthma
- Substance abuse
- AHRQ Priority Populations
- Low income groups
- Minority groups
- Women
- Children
- Elderly
- Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care
- Federal Health Care Program
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
Importance
- Describe why this topic is important.
Growing Spanish speaking population with limited English understanding (especially as relates to medications)
- What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)
Diversity Council work and need for evidenced based approaches nationwide
- Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)
yes
- If yes, please explain:
Yes, the Language Line is the standard but effectiveness research is lagging
Potential Impact
- How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?
establishing limitations or recommended standard or protocols for language lines
- Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.
Within next 24 months
- Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.
Low income Latino and Hispanic populations
Nominator Information
- Other Information About You: (optional)
-
- Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)
establishing limitations or recommended standard or protocols for language lines
- Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?
Individual
- Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program
Regularly attend the AHRQ conferences
