The demographics of the United States have changed considerably over the last several decades. Today, more than 37 million U.S. residents are foreign born, 54 million people speak a language other than English at home, and 24 million people speak English less than "very well" and are classified as limited English proficient (LEP). Research has shown that a lack of sensitivity and responsiveness to cultural and language needs impacts quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. In addition, one-half of the U.S. population lacks the skills to function within the health care system.
There is very little data available on how health care organizations nationwide respond to the issues of language, health literacy, and culture. With funding received from The California Endowment, The Joint Commission's Hospitals, Language, and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation (HLC) study was designed to gather information about the activities hospitals are undertaking to address cultural and language needs among an increasingly diverse patient population. Building on The Joint Commission's knowledge of hospital infrastructure and existing survey process design, the HLC study collected data that accurately represents hospital practice.
The HLC study is the first research study to explore the challenges and practices encountered in hospitals across the country. Specifically, the study aims to answer the following research questions:
- What challenges do hospitals face when providing care and services to culturally and linguistically diverse populations?
- How are hospitals addressing these challenges?
- Are there any promising practices that may be helpful and can be replicated in other hospitals?
Learn more about the HLC study design.
Find out more about the HLC research projects.
Access up-to-date information on the HLC Project Update (May 2008).
Meet the HLC study staff and advisors.
See a list of publications and websites that reference the HLC study.
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For more information on the Hospitals, Language, and Culture study or to sign up for the HLC list serve, contact us at hlc-info@jointcommission.org. |