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The Impact of Medical Interpreter Services on the Quality of Health Care

A Systematic Review

Bibliographic Data

ID23352002
AuthorsGlenn Flores (0000-0001-8117-945X, Medical College of Wisconsin)
Year2005
Volume62
Issue3
Pages255-299
Publication date2005-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMedical Care Research and Review (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-5587 • E-ISSN: 1552-6801
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/1077558705275416
PMID15894705
LanguageEN
Citations received199
References cited38

Twenty-one million Americans are limited in English proficiency (LEP), but little is known about the effect of medical interpreter services on health care quality. Asystematic literature review was conducted on the impact of interpreter services on quality of care. Five database searches yielded 2,640 citations and a final database of 36 articles, after applying exclusion criteria. Multiple studies document that quality of care is compromised when LEP patients need but do not get interpreters. LEP patients' quality of care is inferior, and more interpreter errors occur with untrained ad hoc interpreters. Inadequate interpreter services can have serious consequences for patients with mental disorders. Trained professional interpreters and bilingual health care providers positively affect LEP patients' satisfaction, quality of care, and outcomes. Evidence suggests that optimal communication, patient satisfaction, and outcomes and the fewest interpreter errors occur when LEP patients have access to trained professional interpreters or bilingual providers.

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Unique citing works199
Citations per year9,48
Citation span2005 - 2026 (22)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedYes
Citation typesNeutral: 198
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