Promising Practices For Patient-Centered Communication With Vulnerable Populations: Examples From Eight Hospitals

Abstract

ABSTRACT: As patient populations become increasingly diverse, health care organizations are looking for innovative ways to communicate effectively across cultures, languages, and health literacy levels. This study identified eight hospitals from across the country that have demonstrated a commitment to providing patient-centered communication with vulnerable patient populations. Through site visits and focus group discussions, the authors draw out “promising practices” from the hospital’s efforts to lower language barriers and ensure safe, clear, and effective health care interactions. The promising practices include: having passionate champions to advocate for communication programs; collecting information on patient needs; engaging communities; developing a diverse and skilled workforce; involving patients; spreading awareness of cultural diversity; providing effective language assistance services; addressing low health literacy; and tracking performance over time. Hospital and health system leaders can use these practices as starting points to encourage patient-centered communication in their own organizations.