Publication Date
1-22-2018
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of Participatory Medicine
Volume
10
Issue
1
DOI
10.2196/jopm.9229
Abstract
Background:
The patient-centered medical home model intends to improve patient experience and primary care quality. Within an urban safety net setting in Northern California, United States, these desired outcomes are complicated by both the diversity of the patient community and the care continuity implications of a residency program.
Objective:
The objective of our study was to understand the patient experience beyond standardized satisfaction measures.
Methods:
We conducted a qualitative study, interviewing 19 patients from the clinic (English-, Spanish-, or Mien-speaking patients).
Results:
Some themes, such as the desire to feel confident in their doctor, emerged across language groups, pointing to institutional challenges. Other themes, such as distrust in care being provided, were tied distinctly to speaking a language different from one’s provider. Still other themes, such as a sense of powerlessness, were related to cultural differences and to speaking a language (Mien) not spoken by staff.
Conclusions:
Findings illuminate the need to understand cultural behaviors and interactional styles in a diverse patient population to create a high-quality medical home.
Keywords
safety-net providers, urban health services, primary health care, patient-centered care, qualitative research, quality of health care, communication barriers
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Rachel L. Berkowitz, Nimeka Phillip, Lyn Berry, and Irene H. Yen. "Patient Experiences in a Linguistically Diverse Safety Net Primary Care Setting: Qualitative Study" Journal of Participatory Medicine (2018). https://doi.org/10.2196/jopm.9229
Comments
This is the Version of Record and can also be read online here.