Understanding Health Care Brokering Among Young and Middle-Aged Adults

Authors

  • James W. Ball
  • Jennifer Banas
  • Matthew R. Bice

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2016.120

Abstract

Background: Health care brokering occurs when people with limited English proficiency rely on others to interpret health information. The purpose of this study was too describe what kinds of health brokering task individuals do, describe the emotional experience and academic impact of health brokering, and identify what kinds of support/services participants have access to or would want to have access to. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used to complete this study. Students and employees at a Midwestern university that is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution were asked to complete a survey and participate in semi-structured interviews to get in-depth information about health care brokering. Results: The survey indicated the most common activities that health care brokers complete were looking up health information on the Internet and talking/translating to a doctor or nurse. Thee majority of participants had to miss class or work to complete health care brokering tasks and they reported feeling a mix of emotions while completing these tasks. The semi-structured interviews revealed four themes: lost opportunities, opportunity for personal growth, the stress of translation, and desired supports. Conclusion:  The diversity of this country is unlikely to change and it is important for health promotion professionals to explore and implement strategies to help families’ complete health care brokering tasks. Providing health care information and terms in all languages at the doctor’s offi ce seems like an attainable first step.

Author Biography

James W. Ball

Assistant Professor, Northeastern Illinois State University, 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60025

Published

2020-11-12

How to Cite

Ball, J., Banas, J., & Bice, M. (2020). Understanding Health Care Brokering Among Young and Middle-Aged Adults. American Journal of Health Studies, 31(4). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2016.120