Journal of health care for the poor and underserved
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · May 2008
The contribution of international medical graduates to diversity in the U.S. physician workforce: graduate medical education.
To describe the ethnicity/race and gender distribution of the international medical graduates (IMGs) qualified to enter graduate medical education (GME) and those who are actually in GME. ⋯ International medical graduates provide much-needed diversity in GME. Since most IMGs remain in the U.S. after training, this diversity can lead to a richer training environment, increased access to health care, and better health care outcomes.
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J Health Care Poor Underserved · May 2008
ReviewLanguage interpreter utilization in the emergency department setting: a clinical review.
The emergency department (ED) serves as the entry point into the U. S. health care system for many patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). This paper reviews the literature on language interpreter utilization in the ED setting. ⋯ Compared with-English speaking patients, LEP patients report less satisfaction with medical encounters, have different rates of diagnostic testing, and receive less explanation and follow-up. Although professional interpretation has been associated with improvements in patient satisfaction, communication, and health care access, these services are largely under-utilized in ED settings. Reliance on untrained ad hoc interpreters, perceived time and labor associated with obtaining and working with an interpreter, and costs of implementing professional interpreter services serve as barriers to implementation and utilization.