Emergency Department Care for Patients with Limited English Proficiency: a Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

ED patients with LEP experienced both increased rates of diagnostic testing and of hospital admission. Research is needed to examine why these differences occurred and if they represent inefficiencies in care.

Use of professional interpreters for children and families with limited English proficiency: The intersection with quality and safety

“…Recent work in adult patients demonstrates that inconsistent recognition of the unique vulnerability of patients from diverse cultural backgrounds extends beyond clinical notes to verbal and written clinical handover. 17 Within the adult literature, low English proficiency patients are over-represented in ED presentations, 18 are at higher risk of requiring subsequent admission 19 and intensive care unit admission, 20 undergo relatively more diagnostic tests in the ED 21,22 have longer length of hospital stay, 23,24 higher rates of discharge against medical advice 25 and higher rates of unplanned readmission. 26 They are more likely to suffer from medication errors and other adverse events.…”

“…Within the adult literature, low English proficiency patients are over‐represented in ED presentations, are at higher risk of requiring subsequent admission and intensive care unit admission, undergo relatively more diagnostic tests in the ED have longer length of hospital stay, higher rates of discharge against medical advice and higher rates of unplanned readmission . They are more likely to suffer from medication errors and other adverse events .…”

Language Barriers and the Management of Bronchiolitis in a Pediatric Emergency Department

“…Several studies in adult populations have examined how language barriers may contribute to differences in care, such as increased diagnostic testing and admission rates. 3,4 Among children, several studies have evaluated the impacts of language barriers on overall charges and health care outcomes, but very few studies have examined the association of language and specific PED management. In 1 study, Spanish-speaking families were found to have significant differences in laboratory and radiology charges compared to English-speaking families in the PED.…”

Using patient companions as interpreters in the Emergency Department: An interdisciplinary quantitative and qualitative assessment

“…Language barriers between patients and doctors in the Emergency Department (ED) are associated with lower quality health care and poorer outcomes along several dimensions [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Professional interpreters (PIs) can improve quality of care and health outcomes [10].…”