Rural Kansas Family Physician Satisfaction with Caring for Spanish-Speaking Only Patients

BACKGROUND Patient satisfaction with the care they receive can be influenced negatively by a language barrier between the physician and patient. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the consequences of a language barrier on physician satisfaction, although this barrier has the potential to decrease physician wellness. This study sought to determine if a language barrier is a source of professional dissatisfaction in family medicine physicians in rural Kansas. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, members of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians who practiced in the rural Kansas counties with the highest percentage of Hispanic residents were surveyed. A questionnaire was developed to determine the demographics of the physician, details regarding his or her practice, and percentage of Hispanic and Spanish-speaking only (SSO) patients in their practice. Physicians also were queried as to their level of Spanish-speaking ability, availability of certified interpreters, and their satisfaction with caring for their SSO patients. RESULTS Fifty-two physicians were identified and sent questionnaires by mail. Eighteen questionnaires were completed and returned, resulting in a 34% response rate. Respondents remained anonymous. In the practices surveyed, 61% of practice settings had a Hispanic-patient population greater than 25%. Only one of the eighteen respondents had greater than 25% of SSO patients in his or her practice. A certified interpreter was used less than 25% of the time in over 75% of the clinical encounters with SSO patients. Seventy-five percent of physicians reported no difficulty establishing trust and rapport with their SSO patients. Eighty-nine percent of respondents rated their relationship with SSO patients as good to excellent, and 83% were satisfied with the care they were able to provide this group. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported that their ability to care for SSO patients decreased or had no effect on their professional satisfaction. Seventy-eight percent of physicians also rated their overall professional satisfaction in regards to their physician/patient relationship as good to excellent. However, language barriers affected physician-patient relationships, physician satisfaction with care, and professional satisfaction. CONCLUSION Language barrier affected physician's relationships with SSO patients, led to decreased physician satisfaction with the care they provided and to decreased professional satisfaction.