Improving Communication for Surgical Patients With Cancer With Limited English Proficiency

Understanding disease processes, treatments, and special needs for surgical patients with cancer with limited English proficiency (LEP) can promote safe and accurate care. To ensure healthcare equity for patients at a large cancer center, perianesthesia nurses and language assistance staff formed a joint task force to improve the care of perioperative patients with LEP, including those with hearing, speech, or visual impairments. By providing staff with up-to-date communication and language assistive technology and educating them about its proper use, oncology nurses can better advocate for patients with LEP, ensure accurate assessments, and foster health equity.