Spanish-Speaking Provider for Infertility (ImpaLa Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Currently, patients presenting to the Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center meet with an English-speaking provider and communicate through an interpreter, as none of the physicians speak Spanish. However, this study PI is a native Spanish speaker and certified bilingual clinician. Thus, this study is looking to evaluate whether or not the use of an interpreter delays completion of testing and initiation of fertility treatment. The medically indicated testing, procedures, and course of treatment will not be altered as a result of participation in the study. Participants will be asked to complete a survey in their preferred language to gauge satisfaction and communication efficacy. This proposed study is significant as it seeks to address a critical gap in the understanding of how language concordance between healthcare providers and patients influences treatment outcomes in fertility care. With Spanish being the most commonly spoken non-English language in the U.S., evaluating the impact of Spanish language skills in medical care is both timely and essential. This research will shed light on whether Spanish-speaking patients experience better treatment progression and outcomes when cared for by language-concordant providers versus when interpreters are used in fertility care. This prospective study will be conducted at Washington University\&#39;s Fertility; Reproductive Medicine Center over a 12-month period. The investigators aim to enroll a total of 70 Spanish-speaking patients, based on previous patient trends at the Center. 35 will be randomized to the intervention group (being evaluated and treated by a Spanish-speaking provider), and 35 will be randomized to standard of care (communicating with an English-speaking provider through an interpreter).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for Spanish-speaking patients experiencing infertility who are seeking treatment at Washington University's Fertility and Reproductive Medicine Center. Participants must be comfortable completing a survey in their preferred language.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Participant Groups

The study compares the effect of having a Spanish-speaking provider versus using an interpreter on the progression and outcomes of fertility treatments. It involves surveys to measure patient satisfaction and communication effectiveness.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Spanish-Speaking patients seen by a Spanish-speaking providerExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Spanish speaking patients will be seen by our Spanish-speaking provider

Group II: Spanish speaking patients seen by English-Speaking ProviderActive Control1 Intervention

Spanish speaking patients will be seen by our English-speaking providers using a qualified interpreter.