SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Workarounds Utilized by Spanish-Speaking Caregivers Encountering Patient Portal Translation Barriers

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This qualitative study explored how Spanish-speaking caregivers manage translation barriers when using their child’s patient portal. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews in Spanish with 20 caregivers recruited from inpatient and ambulatory settings between May and October 2023. Interviews were developed based on the study goal, reviewed by a Latinx Family Advisory Council, piloted with Spanish-speaking caregivers, transcribed, and analyzed using independent coding and inductive thematic analysis.<br /><br />Participants were mostly young adults with limited formal education and low English proficiency, though most had reliable internet access and smartphones. Three main themes emerged. First, caregivers often used separate translation tools such as phone translation apps, screenshots, or photographing portal content to translate messages and notes. This approach was time-consuming and sometimes introduced errors that caused confusion or worry. Second, caregivers frequently relied on children or other family members to translate medical information, but this was not always reliable, especially for complex medication names or medical terms. Third, caregivers expressed a strong desire for an automatic, trusted translation feature built directly into the patient portal so they could understand notes and messages without using outside tools.<br /><br />Overall, the study found that Spanish-speaking caregivers create improvised workarounds to overcome portal language barriers, but these strategies can be inefficient and may affect patient safety. The authors recommend user-centered solutions that improve in-portal translation of medical information to support more equitable access for families with limited English proficiency. Future work should expand the study population and help develop recommendations for healthcare systems and patient portal developers.

Asset Subtitle

Gabriel Tse

Meta Tag

Author List Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, Gabriel Tse, Jennifer Carlson, Katherine Hu, Michelle M. Kelly, Stephanie Squires

Category Research

Concept Patient Portal

Concept Translation Barrier

Concept Spanish-speaking Caregiver

Concept Patient Safety

Concept Integrated Translation Solution

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Stanford University School of Medicine

Presenting Author Gabriel Tse

Track Technology in Hospital Medicine

Keywords

Spanish-speaking caregivers

patient portal

translation barriers

limited English proficiency

semi-structured interviews

inductive thematic analysis

medical translation apps

family member interpreters

health equity

in-portal translation

Patient Portal

Translation Barrier

Spanish-speaking Caregiver

Patient Safety

Integrated Translation Solution