Spanish-speaking families prefer surgical care and hospital assistance in their native language, according to a new report. Also, low-income Spanish-speaking families are more likely to require communication in their native language.

According to the reports prepared by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Hispanics account for more than 60 percent of the U.S. population growth and 25 percent of that population speaks little-to-no English. Language barriers affect quality of care and access to care. The study was designed to assess patient-provider language exchange.

Spanish fluency among clinic and hospital staffers allows for communicate with Hispanic families who speak very little English. Hispanic families value cultural and linguistic connection from their health care providers, which is why Latinos seek out Spanish-speaking doctors, particularly doctors who speak the language natively. However, Spanish-speaking pediatric general surgeons and doctors aren't the only necessity; receptionists, nurse practitioners, triage staff and practitioners' ability to speak Spanish is of utmost importance to members of the Hispanic community. Each interaction from patient registration, to the intake exam, to post-surgical instruction is best done in the native language of a patient and their family.

The new study, published in the most recent issue of the Journal of Pediatric Surgery, found that Spanish-speaking families who communicated about their child's care in Spanish reported higher ratings and higher level of satisfaction than families who communicated through an interpreter. Spanish-speaking families, more than English-speaking families, marked the importance of discussing care in their native language.

Pediatric surgeon Matias Bruzoni led the study, which documented the importance of communicating in a patient's native tongue. Professional medical interpreters can bridge language gaps, but directly communicating with a Spanish speaker can be a more nuanced, personal experience. In a statement, Bruzoni said, "Even though interpreters are great, being able to look someone in the eye and tell them how we feel, and hear directly how they feel about us, makes for such a different interaction."

While social economic status was not discussed in the study, Bruzoni indicated that low-income families had a greater need to receive care in their native language, and cultural barriers were more pronounced because they're less proficient in English. Nonetheless, interaction with Spanish-speaking health care professionals improves patient satisfaction, eliminates language barriers, and improves understanding of surgical care and information from the visit. In a pediatric surgery clinic, language concordant care improves understanding and patient satisfaction for Hispanic Spanish-speakers in comparison to language discordant care.

Bruzoni noted that he wants to encourage clinics and hospitals across the nation to be more mindful when treating Hispanic patients and cater to the needs of Spanish-speakers. Bilingual and bicultural staff members are a necessity when providing patient-centered care.

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