Improving hospital communication for families and patients with language barriers
The Patient and Family Centered I-PASS LISTEN Study: Language, Inclusion, Safety, and Teamwork for Equity Now
This study is testing a new way to improve communication in hospitals for families and patients who don’t speak English well, to see if it makes their hospital experience better and safer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 14400 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 8 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 7 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05591066 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study implements the Patient and Family Centered I-PASS (PFC I-PASS) intervention to enhance communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families, particularly for those with limited English proficiency. The intervention includes structured communication strategies, the use of certified interpreters, and cultural humility training to reduce adverse events and improve hospital experiences. By integrating families into daily rounds and using simpler language, the study aims to address disparities in healthcare communication and safety. The effectiveness of the PFC I-PASS+ intervention will be evaluated in pediatric inpatient settings across multiple hospitals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized pediatric patients aged 13 and older who speak languages other than English, as well as their parents or caregivers.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have language barriers or are not admitted to the pediatric inpatient units may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve patient safety and satisfaction for families with language barriers in hospital settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous implementations of the PFC I-PASS intervention have shown success in reducing adverse events and improving hospital experiences, indicating a promising approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All patients admitted to the pediatric inpatient study units of participating hospitals * Patients themselves who are age 13 and up (if they provide assent and their parent or guardian gives permission)\* * Parents/caregivers of patients of all ages who speak English, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Karen, Korean, Nepali, Quiche, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese (and/or other languages if resources allow) * Nurses working on these units * Residents working on these units * Medical and nursing students working on these units * Hospital leaders working at these hospitals * \*Note for Consenting: Patients (13-18yo) who are in state custody and assent for themselves to complete surveys but lack legal guardian/caregiver present to offer consent are not being approached to complete surveys. These patients may still be enrolled in the study but not consented to complete patient-facing forms. Exclusion Criteria: None
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama and 7 other locations
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital of Oakland — Oakland, California, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (Recruiting)
- Children's Hospital at Montefiore — The Bronx, New York, United States (Recruiting)
- The Research Institute of Nationwide Children's Hospital — Columbus, Ohio, United States (Recruiting)
- UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
- Northwest Texas Healthcare System — Amarillo, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alisa Khan, MD, MPH — Boston Children's Hospital/Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Alisa Khan, MD, MPH
- Email: alisa.khan@childrens.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-355-2565
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.