Over 21 million Americans have limited English proficiency. About two-thirds of these individuals speak Spanish. Limited English proficiency has major adverse impacts on health and health care. Using trained medical interpreters may help overcome this language barrier. Compared to patients who need but don't get an interpreter, patients who use trained medical interpreters have better satisfaction, quality of care, and health outcomes. However, the outcomes of patients using interpreters is often poorer than that of English-speaking patients. This randomized controlled trial will test the utility of using interpreters as advocates for Spanish-speaking inner city patients with hypertension.
The purpose of the study is to determine if medical interpreters trained to advocate on behalf of their patients deliver improved care compared to standard medical interpreters