Professional Interpreters Improve Satisfaction for Non-English-Speaking Patients

Communication between providers and patients who do not speak the same language can be challenging, and poor communication can be detrimental to patient care and satisfaction. In a prospective, time block–randomized study at two emergency departments (EDs) in New Jersey, researchers compared Spanish-speaking patients' and providers' satisfaction during times when professional in-person Spanish interpreters were available (242 patients) and times when such interpreters were not available (205 patients). During all periods, the EDs' usual language services were available (e.g., telephone and ad hoc interpreters, including staff and patients' family members). All patients had limited or no English proficiency.

Satisfaction with communication wa…