Improving Access for Limited English-Speaking Consumers: A Review of Strategies in Health Care Settings

This paper describes models and strategies currently used in various health care settings around the country to improve health care access for limited English-proficient (LEP) individuals and examines a spectrum of strategies that overcome barriers to care, including the use of bilingual providers, bilingual/bicultural community health workers, professional and nonprofessional interpreters, the role of written translations, and new approaches to interpretation that use technological advances. The paper also considers how these strategies are applied in a variety of health care organizations, such as community health centers, public health departments, hospitals, and managed care organizations. Specific examples of model programs and strategies in each of these health care settings are described. Finally, recommendations are reviewed that may assist institutions in improving the provision of health care for LEP populations.