Speaking my patient's language: bilingual nurses’ perspective about provision of language concordant care to patients with limited English proficiency

Aim The aim of this study was to explore bilingual nurses’ perspective about providing language concordant care to patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) and its impact on patients and nurses. Factors affecting the provision of language concordant care to patients LEP were also explored. Background With an increase in migration and mobility of people across the world, the likelihood of experiencing language barriers while providing and receiving care is high. Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients regardless of their culture, religion, ethnic background or language. Language barriers, however, are hurdles that hamper development of effective communication between nurses and patients. Eliminating language barriers is a crucial step in providing culturally competent and patient-centred care. Design Qualitative descriptive study. Methods During January-August 2015, 59 nurses, working in acute hospitals in the UK, participated in 26 individual in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Four themes: ‘when we speak the same language’; ‘when I speak my patient's language’; ‘what facilitates provision of language concordant care’ and ‘what hinders the provision of language concordant care’ were identified. Factors affecting nurses’ ability to provide language concordant care included individual factors (confidence; years of experience as a nurse; years of experience in the work setting; and relationship with colleagues), patients’ expectation, attitudes of other patients, colleagues and nurse managers, organizational culture and organizational policies. Conclusion Bilingual nurses can play a very important role in the provision of language concordant for patients with LEP. Further research is needed to explore patient perspective