Language Preference Identification

Ask:

  • “Do any of you speak languages other than English?”

  • If yes, ask one of these follow-up questions:

    • “Cincinnati Children’s has free interpreters who are quickly available. What languages would you all want us to speak to you in?”

    • “Cincinnati Children’s has free interpreters who are quickly available. What languages would you all like to use for medical conversations?”

    • “Cincinnati Children’s has free interpreters who are quickly available. Will an interpreter be needed for this visit?”

    • “Cincinnati Children’s has free interpreters who are quickly available. In what language would you like to discuss your child’s health care today?"

Communicate this language preference to other team members during handoffs.

If someone is unable to say which language they speak:

  1. Use a language identification card (shown below) or the list of languages on the Alvin.

    Language Identification Card

  2. Call the phone interpreter line and ask the operator to assist you in identifying the language.

Acute/Critical Care

If anyone wants to use a non-English language, document their name, relationship, and the languages in a place that is visible to the care team (e.g. whiteboard in the patient’s room).

Repeat this process:

  • During long admissions

  • When a new caregiver arrives

  • Prior to obtaining consent

  • Whenever you think it is necessary

Home Health

Patients and caregivers who prefer to use interpreter services in the hospital or ambulatory setting but not the home, should continue to have "Interpreter Needed" set to "Yes.” The plan for language access in the home should be discussed with the patient and caregivers prior to the Home Health start of care. Preferences are communicated for planning of care via case communications, the HHC care plan, and scheduling notes. These preferences should be updated as needed.

Demographics in Epic

For patients where at least one person sometimes wants to communicate in a language other than English, ensure the patient-level demographic fields have that language listed as "Preferred Language" and "Interpreter Needed" is set to "Yes."

This is a patient-level field so it should reflect the family’s needs for the future, not just a single visit.