Clinical Report: Addressing Language Barriers in Pulmonary Function Testing

Background

Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is essential for optimal care. Language barriers can lead to reduced access to healthcare and poorer outcomes. This study highlights the challenges faced in pulmonary function testing when language discordance exists.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 19% of spirometry tests were conducted with language discordance.
• Low-quality scores were found in 24% of all tests, with 35% for FEV1 and 40% for FVC in discordant subjects.
• Language discordance was associated with increased odds of low-quality testing.
• Technologist experience of <12 months was linked to lower quality testing outcomes.
• In-person interpretation did not significantly improve test quality.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the significant impact language barriers can have on the quality of pulmonary function testing. Strategies to improve communication and testing quality are necessary, particularly in diverse patient populations.

Conclusion

The study underscores the critical need for effective communication in pulmonary function testing, as language discordance significantly contributes to low-quality test outcomes.

Related Resources & Content

1. Ablavsky et al., Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2024 -- Addressing Language Barriers in Pulmonary Function Testing
2. Beattie et al., The ASCO Post, 2021 -- Some Patients With Lung Cancer Report Feeling Uninformed About Their Disease
3. American Thoracic Society, American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2023 -- Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update
4. Pediatric Cardiology — Assessing Lung Function in Fontan Patients Over a Decade: Does the Fontan Circulation Hinder Pulmonary Development?
5. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) — Patient Experiences With Online Laboratory Test Presentations From Access to Activation: Systematic Review
6. Impact of language barriers on pulmonary function and asthma control
7. Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 88 / Monday
8. Standardization of Spirometry 2019 Update. An Official American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement | American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | Oxford Academic