Health Care Engagement of Limited English Proficient Latino Families: Lessons Learned from Advisory Board Development

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Specific information on the development and evaluation of patient/family engagement in health care improvement for populations with limited English proficiency (LEP) is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We sought to provide information for use by other health care organizations aiming to engage LEP populations through advisory groups. METHODS: Informed by community-based research principles, we formed a family advisory board of LEP Latino families and conducted a multimodal evaluation of initial implementation and partnership development. RESULTS: The board met process measures goals for sustained engagement of LEP families and for establishing a group structure and process. Board outcomes included contributions to clinic educational materials and initiation of a project to increase the child friendliness of the physical space. Mothers on the board reported satisfaction with their participation. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully sustained engagement of LEP Latino families in health care improvement using an advisory board. To promote patient-centered care and address health care disparities, LEP populations should be included in patient engagement programs.