A Framework for Language Access Systems Cynthia E

A Framework for Language Access Systems Cynthia E. Roat, MPH March , 2010 HCIN/CHIA conference March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH

What is language assistance? Language assistance is anything that allows individuals to access services across linguistic barriers. Examples of linguistic assistance: Bilingual service providers Interpreters Translated documents Multilingual signage Multilingual websites March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 2

Framework for a language access system The Delivery System All the systems needed to identify language need and assure linguistic assistance in the encounter. March 2010 The Product The translation, the interpreting, or the bilingual provider that constitutes the language assistance. Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 3

Developing policies b Building buy-in from the Executive Suite b Writing policies and procedures b Disseminating policy March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 4

Identifying LEP patients b Point b Ask of first contact for language preference b Language codes b Assure the information gets into all databases: registration, scheduling, EMR March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 5

Assigning resources b Scheduling centralized to Interpreter Services b Dual-screen scheduling by all scheduling personnel b Guidelines about when to use staff interpreters, dual-role interpreters, agency interpreters, telephonic interpreters or technology March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 6

Tracking service provision b How do you know language access was provided? b Tracking planned services vs. tracking provided services. b Back-end March 2010 charting in the EMR Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 7

Staff training b Staff meetings b Brown-bag lunches b Grand rounds b On-line training that provides CME/CNE/CE. March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 8

Support services? Legal Marketing Facilities Clinical Services HR IT Interpreter Services March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 9

Support services? Legal Marketing Clinical Services Facilities Interpreter Services HR March 2010 IT Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 10

Financial support “How are we going to pay for this? ” b Hospital general operating budget b Federal Medicaid Match (DC, HI, IA, ID, KS, ME, MN, MT, NH, UT, VA, VT, WA, WY) b Insurance / Health Plans (CA, WA) b Grants March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 11

Quality in bilingual providers b Testing of language skills b Tracking March 2010 provision of service Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 12

Quality in interpreting b Recruitment b Screening b Training b Assessment b Monitoring b Continuing March 2010 Education Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 13

Quality in translation b Prepare b Initial source text (e. g. lower register) translation b Review and editing b Layout b Proofreading March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 14

Before you panic. . There are lots of resources out there. Regional answers can help. Quality is built little by little over time. March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 15

For more information, contact. . . Cindy Roat 206 -546 -1194 cindy. roat@alumni. williams. edu March 2010 Cynthia E. Roat, MPH 16