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Scientific Oral Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 3 - Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Navigating Language Diversity: Patient Communication Preferences in Otolaryngology

Monday, October 13, 2025

9:36 AM - 9:42 AM EDT

Location: 107-108

Disclosure(s):

Jessica W. Helon:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients face significant healthcare communication challenges. This study examines interpreter service preferences among LEP patients in otolaryngology clinics. By identifying communication preferences and correlations, the study aims to develop strategies that improve healthcare access and reduce disparities for non-native English speakers.

Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional survey study assessing communication preferences of LEP patients and caregivers of pediatric patients at Loyola University Medical Center Otolaryngology clinics from May to December 2024. Participants completed a questionnaire in their native language (Arabic, Polish, or Spanish) during their visit, assessing English proficiency, health status, and preferred language support services.

Results: This study included 105 LEP participants, with a predominantly female cohort (73.33%) and an average age of 54.83 years. Language distribution was 56.19% Spanish, 33.33% Polish, and 10.48% Arabic. Education levels varied, with 68.57% having high school education or less, and only 21% having some college or higher education. Primary language and education significantly influenced interpreter preferences. Notably, Arabic speakers were far less likely to prefer in-person interpreters (11.11%) compared to Polish (82.76%) and Spanish (89.83%) speakers. Education level also played a role, with 96% of those with less than high school education preferring in-person interpreters, compared to 72.09% of high school graduates and 78.57% of those with higher education. Age was as a significant factor in interpreter preference. For every 5-year increase in age, the odds of preferring an in-person interpreter increased by 26% (OR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.48).

Conclusions: Our findings highlight how cultural background, education, and age influence communication preferences among LEP patients in otolaryngology clinics. The significant associations found between these factors and interpreter preferences suggest opportunities for tailored language assistance services.

Presenting Author(s)

Jessica W. Helon

Medical Student
Stritch School of Medicine
Roselle, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Co-Author(s)

Jessica W. Helon

Medical Student
Stritch School of Medicine
Roselle, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Luis Miguel Rubio

Medical Student
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Springfield, Illinois, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Agnes M. Hurtuk, MD

Associate Professor, Ambulatory Medical Director for Otolaryngology
Loyola University Medical Center
Burr Ridge, IL, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

Agnes M. Hurtuk, MD

Associate Professor, Ambulatory Medical Director for Otolaryngology
Loyola University Medical Center
Burr Ridge, IL, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

Sarah E. Finucane, MD

Resident Physician
Loyola University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Maywood, Illinois, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
NP

Neel Patel, MD

Resident Physician
University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychiatry
Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.