Spanish-Speaking Provider for Infertility

(ImpaLa Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Aileen Portugal, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine

Disqualifiers: English language, Not seeking fertility

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 12 weeks

70 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if Spanish-speaking patients receive better infertility care when treated by a Spanish-speaking provider rather than through an interpreter. The researchers will compare treatment progress and patient satisfaction between those who communicate directly with a Spanish-speaking doctor and those who use an interpreter. They seek Spanish-speaking individuals currently seeking fertility treatment. Participants will complete a survey to share their experiences and satisfaction. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare communication and satisfaction for Spanish-speaking patients.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on language and communication in fertility care, so it's unlikely that your medications will be affected.

What prior data suggests that using a Spanish-speaking provider is safe for patients?

This study is unique because it focuses on using a Spanish-speaking provider to enhance communication in fertility care. But what about safety?

In this trial, the treatment involves having a conversation in Spanish instead of using an interpreter, not a drug or procedure. Therefore, there are no physical side effects like those associated with medications. Research has shown that better communication can lead to improved healthcare outcomes. Spanish-speaking patients may feel more comfortable and understood when speaking directly with their provider, potentially leading to better overall experiences and outcomes in their treatment journey.

The study aims to determine if speaking directly with a Spanish-speaking provider helps patients navigate testing and treatment more smoothly. Since no new medical or physical treatment is being tested, there are no adverse events or side effects to consider. The focus is solely on improving communication in care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Spanish-speaking provider approach for infertility because it directly addresses the language barrier that many Spanish-speaking patients face in healthcare. Unlike the standard practice where Spanish-speaking patients often rely on interpreters when seeing English-speaking providers, this method facilitates direct communication. This can lead to better understanding, trust, and potentially more effective and personalized care. By allowing patients to communicate in their native language, researchers hope to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, making infertility treatments more accessible and effective for Spanish-speaking communities.

What evidence suggests that using a Spanish-speaking provider is effective for improving fertility treatment outcomes?

Research has shown that Spanish-speaking patients often achieve better treatment results when their healthcare providers also speak Spanish. This trial will compare outcomes for Spanish-speaking patients treated by Spanish-speaking providers with those treated by English-speaking providers using a qualified interpreter. Language barriers can delay treatment and hinder effective communication, negatively impacting the success of fertility treatments. Studies have found that Hispanic women often receive less infertility care and may experience worse outcomes compared to non-Hispanic White women. When patients and providers share a language, satisfaction and treatment progress can improve. Understanding the role of language in healthcare is crucial for providing fair and effective medical treatment. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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

Preferred language must be Spanish speaking

Must be seeking fertility treatment

I am over 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Preferred language English

Not currently seeking fertility care

I am under 18 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Initial Consultation and Diagnostic Testing

Participants undergo initial consultation and complete recommended fertility diagnostic tests

12 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive fertility treatment based on diagnostic results

12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and communication effectiveness after treatment

12 weeks

Survey administered

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Spanish-Speaking Provider

Trial Overview 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Spanish-Speaking patients seen by a Spanish-speaking provider Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

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

Group II: Spanish speaking patients seen by English-Speaking Provider Active Control 1 Intervention

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

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Washington University School of Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,027

Recruited

2,353,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8722141/

A review of disparities in access to infertility care and ... Hispanic women receive disproportionately lower rates of infertility treatment and may experience worse IVF outcomes than non-Hispanic White ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06636838

Exploring the Impact of Language Concordance on Fertility ... This research will shed light on whether Spanish-speaking patients experience better treatment progression and outcomes when cared for by language-concordant ...

3. open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/5-159/v1/pdf?article_uuid=06590e59-773d-4859-be7a-2e3e618ac157

Analysis of online information about success rates in fertility ... Many fertility clinics present success rates using a wide range of inconsistent measures, making it difficult for patients to make informed ...

4. equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com equityhealthj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12939-021-01438-x

Assisted reproduction in Spain, outcome and socioeconomic ... Moreover, success rates were 52.9% for those treated exclusively in private clinics, compared with 42.4% for public clinics and 40.4% for both ...

5. fertstert.org fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(25)00395-4/pdf

SOCIAL MEDIA USE FOR RECRUITMENT OF ... toxic, some treatments do have the potential to cause long-term infertility ... Infertility outcomes were categorized as: infertility testing, low sperm e68.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1472648325002627

Impact of native language on the pursuit of fertility care Among patients evaluated for infertility, 33% reported a native language other than English. 82% of patients completed sufficient diagnostic ...

7. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/387218115_ART_Outcomes_in_Latinx_Patients

ART Outcomes in Latinx Patients Latinx patients have lower in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates, are less likely to have live birth as a pregnancy outcome and are more ...