Use of interpreters by physicians treating limited English proficient women with breast cancer: results from the provider survey of the Los Angeles Women's Health Study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Little is known about how cancer physicians communicate with limited English proficient (LEP) patients. We studied physician-reported use and availability of interpreters.

Data sources

A 2004 survey was fielded among physicians identified by a population-based sample of breast cancer patients. Three hundred and forty-eight physicians completed mailed surveys (response rate: 77 percent) regarding the structure and organization of care.

Study design and settings

We used logistic regression to analyze use and availability of interpreters.

Principal findings

Most physicians reported treating LEP patients. Among physicians using interpreters within the last 12 months, 42 percent reported using trained medical interpreters, 21 percent telephone interpreter

SUBMITTER: Rose DE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2813443 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature