Interpreters as Advocates for Hypertensive Patients

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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

Detailed Description
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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.

Official Title
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Interpreters as Advocates for Hispanic Patients With Hypertension

Conditions
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Hypertension

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Professional Medical Interpreter


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Spanish speaking Limited English proficiency Uncontrolled hypertension Regular visit with primary care provider who is not proficient in Spanish Exclusion Criteria: -

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Interpreter<br>Professional Spanish interpreter | Behavioral: Professional Medical Interpreter<br>* A professional medical interpreter accompanies patient to each appointment.<br>|
| No Intervention: Usual Care<br>Usual care provided to patients | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patient reported satisfaction with the clinical encounter with their clinician | Patients will rate their satisfaction with the clinical encounter with their clinician y responding to several questions about the encounter using a 5-point Likert scale. | 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Provider reported satisfaction with the clinical encounter with the patient | Providers will rate their satisfaction with the clinical encounter with the patient by responding to several questions about the encounter using a 5-point Likert scale. | 6 months | 
| Change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure | Net change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure | 6 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Hypertension, Spanish