Work

Analyzing Linguistic Disparities in Telehealth Care Outcomes at a Multidisciplinary Craniofacial Center

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine linguistic disparities between English- and Spanish-speaking patients in access to care, satisfaction, and telehealth appointment attendance. DESIGN: Retrospective study recording demographics for non-attendance analysis and conducting phone surveys assessing satisfaction with telehealth. SETTING: Data was collected between March and December 2020 at the UCSF Craniofacial Center (CFC), a multidisciplinary pediatric clinic. Patients: English- and Spanish-speaking patients with a telehealth appointment. Interventions: The CFC offered language-concordant outreach, assistance with the telehealth platform, and interpreters at all telehealth appointments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics and patient-reported satisfaction with telehealth, barriers, and instruction clarity. RESULTS: Medicaid insurance was the only predictor of non-attendance. Surveys revealed that Spanish-speakers had 12.4 times the odds of lacking access to telehealth technology and 10.7 times the odds of needing help with logging on compared to English-speakers. There were no significant differences in satisfaction outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We attribute this equity in satisfaction to our language-concordant outreach efforts.

Source: The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal

DOI: 10.1177/10556656231187291

Authors: Elizabeth Danial, Jennifer Rios, Ryan Badiee, Glenn Rosenbluth, Jason H. Pomerantz

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,750