Language Barrier Transition and Planning in Healthcare

1 Language Barrier Transition and Planning Proposed Solution The use of in-demand interpreting systems is a potentially effective strategy for addressing the issue of language barriers in clinical settings. The In-demand Interpreting systems are based on technology applications that facilitate communication between clinicians and patients. This system provides clinicians with an option of using video platforms to access remote professionally trained interpreters. Importantly, the system allows the clinician to select a language which the patient understands most from a list of over 20 languages (Systematech Technical Management Services, Inc. 2020). The use of video applications to facilitate interpretation for remotely located professional interpreters is particularly beneficial since it allows clinicians to serve even those with hearing disabilities.

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Implementation Plan Targeted Outcomes and Goals The proposed solution is expected to eradicate the challenges experienced by nurses and clinicians while serving individuals who speak in languages other than the English language.

One of the targeted outcomes is the improvement in the quality of care provided to the patients.

The program will enable nurses to pass on important instructions to their clients. Importantly, the program will increase the clients’ compliance with treatment. It is also expected that the number of patients from immigrant populations and ethnic minority communities seeking healthcare services will increase.

Measurement of Change The most appropriate way to measure change associated with the proposed solution is to compare baseline data with post-implementation data. Data on the number of patients with limited English proficiency who sought healthcare services before the program was implemented together with their level of satisfaction with care shall be compared with their numbers after implementation of the in-demand interpreting system. The time taken to serve individual patients will also be evaluated to determine if the new system will lead to waiting time improvements.

Readmission rates of the target population will also be evaluated before and after system implementation.

Projected Outcomes The in-demand interpretation system is expected to achieve a series of outcome including improved patient compliance with treatment, reduced readmission rates, increased number of patients seeking healthcare services and improved patient and provider satisfaction with care.

3 Another projected outcome is a decrease in the tension that exists between nurses and patients with limited English proficiency. Further, the project targets to reduce the quantity of time it takes the nurses to serve individual patients.

Actions Need to Achieve the Outcome Several actions will be undertaken to achieve the anticipated project outcomes. These actions include the active involvement of healthcare providers and patients. Departmental heads will be notified of the plan to install computers and the interpreting system in all departments. Nurses will also be informed of the need to change their interpreter approaches besides being trained on how to use the In-demand system. The hospital administration will be provided with accurate information concerning the project to facilitate budgeting, planning, and implementation.

Stakeholders This project's stakeholders include nurses, physicians, nurse informaticists, medical interpreters, hospital administration, and the patients. The nurse informaticists will be responsively for implementing the interpreting systems in all departments visited by patients.

These professionals will also train nurses and other care professionals on how to operate the system (Shirley, 2020). The role of medical interpreters in this project will include mediating between doctors and patients. The interpreters will pass instructions given by the clinician to the patient. The hospital administration’s primary purpose is to allocate the resources needed to accomplish the projected goals and objectives.

Supplies and Equipment The resources needed in this project include finances for purchasing the in-demand interpreter system. Computers will also be purchased and installed in all departments and particularly the

4 ones visited by low English proficiency patients. The money will also be used to pay wages for interpreters.

Milestones Various milestones will be used as indicators of progress. One of these milestones is a decrease in the quantity of time taken by nurses to explain instructions to their clients. Normally, when dealing with individuals with limited English proficiency, the nurse may take more than 20 minutes trying to explain a single point. However, the use of In-demand interpreting system will reduce this time by more than 5 minutes. Another milestone will be the eradication of the need to use informal interpreters such as families and colleagues.

The Overall Timeframe for the Project The project will take approximately one month to implement. This period will be used to purchase a competent in-demand interpreting system, purchase and install computers and train the users.

5 Potential Setbacks Despite the potential benefits of the proposed program, several setbacks might affect its implementation. Some of the setbacks that need to be planned for include resistance from nurses to utilize the program, a lack of finances to purchase, maintain and train users, and a negative attitude towards the system by patients and nurses (Shirley, 2020). For instance, some care providers may opt to continue using informal interpreters instead of the in-demand system.

Education will be conducted to avert such eventualities.

Risk Management Plan Various crucial aspects, including patient privacy and confidentiality must be put into consideration before the implementation and application of the In-demand system. The system will be analyzed for security to ensure that patient data is not compromised in any way. Further, only authorized medical interpreters will be granted access to the system to enhance security, privacy and confidentiality.

Budget The approximate budget of the project is $10,000. This money will be used to purchase computers, furniture, and pay wages for the facilitators and interpreters. The hospital accountant will be responsible for releasing the funds required by the project team. The accountant will also follow-up with the project manager to ensure that finances are utilized per the planned activities.

Select an EBP model to Guide the Implementation of the Plan The John Hopkins Evidence-based Practice Model will guide the implementation of the proposed solution. This model comprises three distinct phases including practice question, evidence and translation. The project team develops and refines a series of questions that guide the implementation process (Dang & Dearholt, 2017). An extensive analysis of available

6 evidence is carried out to determine its practicality in resolving the target issue. The translation phase involves creating and implementing the proposed action, in addition to evaluating and disseminating the findings (Dang & Dearholt, 2017).

Evaluation Plan The evaluation plan will involve an assessment of the project budget, the in-demand system, the project activities, the time used, and the accomplishment of the targeted goals. The In-demand system will be evaluated to determine whether it can effectively handle the tasks it was intended. The benefits and potential challenges of the system will be identified. The quantity of time taken to implement the system will also be evaluated. Further, the ability of the system to reduce the language barrier will be looked into. Outcome evaluation will be based on the number of patients served with the new system, the ease of passing information to the patients, and the patient's level of compliance with treatment. Data for evaluation will be collected through observation of medical records as well as an interview with patients and nurses.

7 References Dang, D., & Dearholt, S. L. (2017). Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Model and guidelines. Sigma Theta Tau. Shirley, D. (2020). Project management for healthcare. CRC Press.

Systematech Technical Management Services, Inc. (2020).Why In Demand. https://www.indemandinterpreting.com/why-indemand/