US Healthcare Experiences of Hispanic Patients with Diabetes and Family Members: A Qualitative Analysis.
Karen A Amirehsani, Jie Hu, Debra C Wallace and 4 others
PMID 28767292WHAT IT FOUND
Hispanic adults with diabetes and family members reported that rushed visits and lack of Spanish-language support left them without clear medication instructions, leading to self-medication and emergency visits.
They described feeling ignored by providers and facing insurance-based discrimination when seeking care.
Key findings
01Participants reported that doctors and nurses often did not explain how to take new medications or what to expect, which led some to self-medicate or end up in the emergency department.
02Patients and family members described rushed interactions, long wait times, and rude behavior from front office staff and nurses as barriers to receiving respectful and attentive care.
03Uninsured participants perceived discrimination when they were unable to get timely appointments or were told equipment was broken only after they disclosed their lack of insurance.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study included only Hispanic adults in North Carolina, so findings may not generalize to other regions or cultural subgroups. Participants referred to 'doctors' and 'nurses' without distinguishing between physicians, nurse practitioners, or other staff, so specific provider roles are unclear. Recall bias may affect the accuracy of reported experiences. The study describes patient perceptions and does not measure clinical outcomes or provider behavior directly.
Declared interests
No conflicts of interest or funding sources were explicitly reported in the provided text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that all patients who appear compliant are fully informed. This study found that many patients did not ask questions due to shyness or cultural values, leading to dangerous self-medication. Always confirm understanding of new medications and disease management, particularly for patients with limited English proficiency or low health literacy.