The development of a technologic approach to improve access to individualized clinical documentation in caregivers’ preferred language

This pilot study aims to describe the process of developing a template that semi-automatically translates information from English to Spanish to improve caregivers' access to clinical documents in their preferred language. It used human-centered design and the Discover, Design/Build, and Test Framework to improve health literacy outcomes for patients who use a language other than English. The Discover Phase revealed current methods and barriers to clinicians providing patients access to written documentation in their primary language. During the Design/Build Phase, an interprofessional team of a speech-language pathologist and a certified translation specialist developed the template in the electronic health record. In the Test Phase, we evaluated the template's acceptability and feasibility and surveyed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and patients' caregivers. Clinicians affirmed the importance of the template, but also had concerns regarding feasibility and usability. Caregivers found it helpful to receive their child's health information in their primary language. The results showed that sustainable access to written documentation in patients' preferred language is lacking, and this template is prepared to reduce language barriers in an overwhelmed healthcare system.