Date of Award

8-12-2024

Document Type

Restricted Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Joyce P. Miller, DNP, RN

Second Advisor

Katherine Martin, PhD., CNM, RN

Third Advisor

Wendy Worden, DNP, APRN, CNS

Abstract

America continues to experience a steady increase in the immigration population, resulting in a continual growth of languages and diversity. The American health care system can be difficult to navigate for patients with limited English proficiency or who are linguistically diverse. Language barriers can result in miscommunication and adverse patient outcomes. Effective communication is imperative for positive patient outcomes. Health literacy is important in predicting overall health. Medical interpreters are integral to bridging the gap between patients and providers; however, providing patients with literature in their preferred language is also beneficial. A Midwest Medical Center provides brochures with information about the rehabilitation unit criteria and routines for patients who are candidates to transfer to the rehabilitation unit, but they are written in English. Patients who cannot read the brochures are at an increased risk of not understanding the criteria, resulting in misunderstandings and patient and staff dissatisfaction. A quality improvement project assisted non-English speaking patients by translating the rehabilitation unit brochures into Spanish and Arabic to address this health disparity. Leininger's Cultural Care Diversity and Universality theory and its concepts and assumptions were used as the framework to guide this project. This project aims to provide patients with information about the rehabilitation unit in their preferred language, increasing understanding and providing culturally competent care for linguistically diverse patients.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2024.Peters.S.BH

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