Improving language access in healthcare for patients with limited English proficiency
Official title: Addressing Gaps in Language Access Services through a Patient-Centered Decision-Support Tool
Funded at Transcendent International, LLC · NIH-10939438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool called Latitude that helps doctors and nurses quickly find and use language services for patients who need them, making sure everyone gets the care they deserve, and it will be tried out in two hospitals to see how it improves patient experiences and health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Transcendent International, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $910,324 |
| NIH project number | 4R44MD018562-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with limited English proficiency who require language assistance during their healthcare interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are fluent in English or do not require language assistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a technology-enabled platform called Latitude to enhance language access services in healthcare settings. It will provide healthcare providers with quick access to information about available language services tailored to individual patients, integrating these services into their care plans through electronic medical records. The project will pilot this platform in two inpatient hospital systems, focusing on improving patient experience, satisfaction, and overall health outcomes. Additionally, a Decision-Support Dashboard will help administrators manage language service resources effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for patients with limited English proficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that technology-enabled solutions can effectively improve language access and patient outcomes in healthcare settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Transcendent International, LLC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, William Z — Transcendent International, LLC
- Study coordinator: Tan, William Z
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.