The Complexities of Assessing Language and Interpreter Preferences in Pediatrics

Providing patients, parents, and families high-quality healthcare in the language of their choice is a fundamental component of patient-centered care in pediatric settings. However, language needs may be complex and dynamic, creating clinical and ethical challenges in cases of provider–parent discordance regarding the need for an interpreter. In this perspectives article, we use a clinical encounter as a foundation to discuss the intricacies of addressing language needs in pediatrics. We also describe the urgent need for further innovation and improvement in linguistic supports available to diverse patients and families

Applying a Language Justice Framework in Research: A Step Toward Achieving Health Equity

People who use languages other than English (LOE) are rarely included in research in the United States. LOE communities face numerous health disparities that are rooted in language injustice and other intersecting oppressions including racism and xenophobia. Equitable inclusion of LOE communities in research is an important step to disrupt health disparities. We propose a new conceptual framework on language justice in research to support researchers in conducting equitable multilingual research. This language justice in research framework comprises six core pillars of best practices required for achieving language justice during all the stages of the research process including conceptualization, budgeting, data collection and analysis, and dissemination. We also present key definitions, examples of how core pillars can be applied, and structural solutions to achieving language justice. The application of the language justice in research framework is designed: (a) to achieve health equity, data equity, and antiracism across the research continuum and (b) to disrupt health disparities in systems and institutions that are disproportionately impacting LOE communities