Interpreters as Advocates for Hypertensive Patients

Case Western Reserve University

Status: Terminated

Conditions: Hypertension

Treatments: Behavioral: Professional Medical Interpreter

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT05219032

5P60MD002265-03 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

P60MD002265DT2

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the study is to determine if medical interpreters trained to advocate on behalf of their patients deliver improved care compared to standard medical interpreters

Full description

Over 21 million Americans have limited English proficiency. About two-thirds of these individuals speak Spanish. Limited English proficiency has major adverse impacts on health and health care. Using trained medical interpreters may help overcome this language barrier. Compared to patients who need but don't get an interpreter, patients who use trained medical interpreters have better satisfaction, quality of care, and health outcomes. However, the outcomes of patients using interpreters is often poorer than that of English-speaking patients. This randomized controlled trial will test the utility of using interpreters as advocates for Spanish-speaking inner city patients with hypertension.

Enrollment: 38 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Spanish speaking
• Limited English proficiency
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Regular visit with primary care provider who is not proficient in Spanish

Exclusion criteria

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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38 participants in 2 patient groups

Interpreter

Experimental group

Description:

Professional Spanish interpreter

Treatment:

Behavioral: Professional Medical Interpreter

Usual Care

No Intervention group

Description:

Usual care provided to patients