Language Barriers and Their Effects on the Latino Patient An Integrative Review

Abstract The United States has many immigrants that have not yet mastered the language, causing them to have limited English proficiency (LEP). For some, this may not be a problem, but for those with medical issues it can be. Having LEP causes there to be a language barrier between the patient and healthcare worker, making it difficult to communicate. A lack of holistic care can occur when healthcare professionals does not speak the same language as their patients. Consequently, this lack of care can lead to an array of concerns. The purpose of this integrative review was to gather current research on the consequences that arise from language barriers in healthcare. For the purpose of this study, the primary focus was only on those individuals who identified as Latino or Hispanic. This integrative literature review used a data matrix to compare and contrast relevant research studies. The following databases were used: CINAHL Complete, PubMed, and Nursing and Allied Health Database (ProQuest). The following key terms were used in a variety of combinations in each database: language barrier, Latino or Hispanic, patient care, health statues, limited English proficiency (LEP), medical errors, communication barriers, and health outcomes. After analyzing the various articles, many common themes were noted. The main themes were as follows: the effects that language barriers had on; screenings and follow-ups, disease control and diagnosis, medication administration and medication errors, and willingness to ask questions. The research revealed that a range of significant issues occur when language barriers are present in healthcare. It is important that this issue be addressed in order to provide holistic care to all patients. Keywords:Language barriers, communication barriers, Limited English Proficiency (LEP), Hispanic, Latin