What does LEP stand for in health care terminology?

In the context of health care terminology, LEP stands for Limited English Proficiency. This term refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. Understanding and addressing the needs of patients with LEP is critical in providing effective and equitable health care services. Facilities that recognize LEP are often required to provide language assistance services to ensure that these patients can communicate effectively with health care providers, understand their medical situations, and obtain informed consent.

This definition highlights the importance of cultural competency and the necessity for health care organizations to implement policies and training to foster effective communication with all patients, regardless of their language background. Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals with Limited English Proficiency allows healthcare providers to enhance patient experience and improve health outcomes.