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Accessibility in Healthcare: Language Access and Alternate Formats

As we step into 2024, healthcare organizations are embracing a pivotal role as champions of equity and accessibility. In the current regulatory environment, inclusive care and equal access to critical health information are more important than ever. Key to these efforts is addressing two major aspects of access: language and accessibility. Driven by regulations like … Continued

Major changes are coming to language access requirements in 2024

As seen in Medical Economics   In 2024, health care organizations will need to intensify their efforts to reduce disparities and advance equity for the diverse populations they serve. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s required for compliance with federal regulations and it makes great business sense, too. Because 68 million Americans speak … Continued

Shaping Health Equity: The Role of Language Services in 2024

The focus on health equity continues to be a pivotal force in the healthcare industry’s evolution. With 2024 on the horizon, health systems and health plans are set to intensify their efforts to address disparities and advance equity within diverse populations. This isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a compliance requirement and a strategic business … Continued

How to Provide a Seamless Digital Healthcare Experience for Multilingual Consumers

Whether it’s through websites, apps, patient portals, SMS, or chat, healthcare consumers are demanding the same easy and user-friendly digital experiences they’ve grown accustomed to from retail, banking, and other industries. And research shows that non-native speakers, a large portion of U.S. users of healthcare services, are more likely to use options like online chat, … Continued

Improve Patient Outcomes with Better Language Access

Original Publication: Medical Economics Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) face poorer health outcomes due to low health literacy and language barriers. In a recent systematic review, 75% of studies showed that LEP patients experienced better outcomes when they spoke the same language as their providers. Written translation also supports connection. In a recent study … Continued

Healthcare IT Today: Utilizing Technology to Expand Language Access

Original Publication: Healthcare IT Today Communication and connection are crucial in healthcare settings. To better connect with their community and ensure equitable access, healthcare organizations are shifting to a more human-focused, patient-centered care approach. Without a strong focus on language access, some groups of vulnerable patients may fall through the cracks. As of 2019, almost … Continued

How To Improve Language Access, Cultural Competency, and Health Equity

In the United States, 67.8 million people speak a language other than English, and for healthcare organizations, ensuring language access and health equity are critical for improving access to care and achieving optimal health outcomes. In fact, 44% of Hispanic Americans say that communication problems from language and cultural differences are a major reason they … Continued

Control Costs and Improve Quality with Language Services in Healthcare

As healthcare leaders continue to cope with rising costs and staffing shortages, they’re looking to do more with less. Yet cutting corners on translation and interpretation programs isn’t an option when it comes to providing quality care to members and patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). With a growing diversity of the population and a … Continued

Health Equity Accreditation: What It Means For Your Organization

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare in the United States. But studies show that the caliber of healthcare individuals receive varies significantly based on their cultural and linguistic backgrounds, as do the associated outcomes. Not only does this negatively impact the health of the individual, but … Continued