Reimagining language equity: Defining best practices in partnering with informal interpreters of Somali families in the neonatal intensive care.

As of 2021, 25.7 million or 8% of people ages five or older living in the United States speak a language other than English (LOE). Federal regulations require interpreter access for LOE patients in medical settings. Despite this regulation, significant multi-level barriers to accessing quality medical interpreters exist. Lack of availability of professional medical interpreters can result in LOE individuals utilizing informal interpreters (bilingual family members or friends) that influence communication and interactions. The influence of informal interpreters and healthcare decision-making and experience has not been studied. Additionally, no guidance exists for providers that specifically addresses when and how to engage with informal interpreters in a clinical setting. This study will develop data-driven practice guidance that will facilitate improved informed decision-making for LOE patients through triangulation of naturalistic recordings, interviews, and focus groups with Somali parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, informal interpreters, and healthcare providers. This study has the potential to identify interventions and practices that reduce language inequities and mitigate factors that create pediatric health disparities.