Spanish-Speaking Caregivers' Perception of Emergency Physicians' Interpersonal and Communication Skills in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Objectives: Medical communication is more than just the delivery of information; language differences between physicians and patients/caregivers create a challenge to providing effective care in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Overcoming this barrier is vital to providing high-quality care. We evaluated Spanish- versus English-speaking caregivers' perception of their pediatric ED physicians' interpersonal and communication skills. We also compared perceptions of Spanish- versus English-speaking caregivers who self-identified as Hispanic.Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of data from surveys administered in an urban, free-standing children's hospital ED. Surveys were administered in English and Spanish to pediatric patient caregivers. In person, video, and telephonic interpretations were available during patient encounters.Results: There were 2542 (82.4%) surveys completed in English and 543 (17.6%) in Spanish. There were significant differences in demographic data of English versus Spanish survey respondents, including level of education, insurance status, and rates of nonpublic insurance. Spanish survey respondents rated their physicians' interpersonal skills lower than English survey respondents. There were 1455 (47%) surveys completed by the respondents who self-identified as Hispanic. Within this group, 928 (63.8%) respondents completed the survey in English and 527 (36.2%) in Spanish. Among this Hispanic population, the Spanish survey respondents rated their physicians' interpersonal and communication skills lower than English survey respondents. After adjusting for education level and insurance type, these differences persisted.Conclusions: Language barriers have a meaningful impact on physician ability to communicate effectively in the pediatric ED. Improving physicians' ability to overcome this barrier is essential toward enriching patient outcomes and experience in the ED.