FamilyDoctor.org expands Spanish-language resources for patients
FamilyDoctor.org, the AAFP’s patient education website, has new pages in Spanish with more to come.
Family physicians now have more Spanish-language resources to share with patients through an updated version of FamilyDoctor.org, the AAFP’s patient education website. These materials offer additional support for addressing patients’ health questions in their preferred language.
The rollout is part of the Academy’s initiative to expand patient education across its clinical priorities. Members can use the resources to reinforce recommendations during visits and provide patients with reliable information to review at home.
What the new Spanish-language pages include
The rollout of Spanish content is still in the early stages, with further additions to come. Right now, Spanish-speaking patients can explore:
All of the resources were approved by a Spanish-speaking medical reviewer. They can be accessed by clicking the Español button at the top of the page.
Spanish immunization schedules now available
The most practical additions to the website are the AAFP-approved immunization schedules in Spanish for children age 6 and under, children and adolescents between 7 and 18 years old, and adults 19 years and older. The documents are available to download and print.
Physicians can share schedules with patients and/or families when reviewing vaccine needs. When paired with the site’s additional Spanish-language vaccine articles, they allow patients to review recommendations at home and bring any questions to their next appointment.
Trusted resources to share with patients
The Spanish-language pages add depth to the Academy’s existing immunization resources. Members can decide how to best use these materials by reading the AAFP’s tip sheet for talking about vaccination with Spanish-speaking patients, which offers guidance on answering questions, making recommendations and following up as needed.
The AAFP’s disease- and population-specific vaccination guidance also features conversation tips and links to additional patient education opportunities. Together, these resources support productive discussions during visits and provide patients evidence-based information to review later on.
How language barriers can impact care
Language barriers can amplify other problems patients face when accessing care. The tip sheet names misinformation concerns, distrust of institutions and equity issues as barriers to vaccination in Spanish-speaking communities. Patients may also have questions about whether side effects could cause them to miss work or how their personal data will be shared.
When someone addresses these concerns in their preferred language with no judgment, patients may feel more comfortable asking additional questions. The Academy’s Neighborhood Navigator can help practices find interpreter services and community health programs for additional support.
What’s next: Brain health, CKM content and more
Upcoming additions will include brain health content and articles about cardio-kidney-metabolic health. This is a continuation of the Academy’s effort to develop Spanish-language resources across its top clinical priorities, with immunization already leading the way.
Looking further ahead, more content will come as new projects develop. The expansion is planned to give family physicians the Spanish-language materials they need to support their patients.
Expanding access to trusted health information
Members can begin using the new resources by sharing the Spanish FamilyDoctor.org homepage and Spanish immunization schedules with patients. Check back as more Spanish-language content is added.