Study: Nurses' English Skills, Accents Can Impede Care

A new study found that nurses' English skills or accents can impede care.

The study, which involved 1,600 nurses in 98 nursing homes in five states, revealed that about 15 percent of LTC nurses reported that their English proficiency or accents created communication problems with residents.

The study noted that both nurses born and educated in another country and those born abroad but educated here reported communication problems at about the same rate. Regional accents and speech also contributed to communication issues.

The researchers said their results show that current English competency tests might be insufficient and not adequately assess an individual's ability to communicate complex issues regarding care.

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