LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY & PATIENT SAFETY

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The Disparities Solutions Center, in collaboration with the MGH Institute of Health Professions (MGH IHP) and with support from the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation, developed an interprofessional curriculum for those in the health professions to:

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• Understand the evidence of disparities and high rate of medical errors, particularly for patients with limited English proficiency

• Work effectively with interpreters and other care team members to ensure safe, high quality care for patients with limited English proficiency

• Explore how systems of care can be improved to ensure quality and safety for patients with limited English proficiency in a team environment

The curriculum was pilot tested with an interprofessional group of faculty and students from Harvard Medical School and the MGH IHP School of Nursing, as well as clinical staff at Massachusetts General Hospital. The e-learning modules were adapted and implemented as part of the Massachusetts General Physician Organization’s mandatory annual training requirements and has been rolled out across the Mass General Brigham system as well.

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This program may be reproduced, distributed, and adapted provided that attribution is clearly stated on any resulting materials using the following language: “These materials were adapted from the curriculum, Providing Safe and Effective Care for Patients with Limited English Proficiency, developed by the Disparities Solutions Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in collaboration with the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. Any further use of these materials must credit the DSC and MGH IHP and may be used for non-commercial, educational, or professional development purposes only.”