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Chu JN, Wong J, Bardach NS, Allen IE, Barr-Walker J, Sierra M, Sarkar U, Khoong EC. Association between language discordance and unplanned hospital readmissions or emergency department revisits: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:456-469. [PMID: 38160059 PMCID: PMC11186734 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2023-016295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Studies conflict about whether language discordance increases rates of hospital readmissions or emergency department (ED) revisits for adult and paediatric patients. The literature was systematically reviewed to investigate the association between language discordance and hospital readmission and ED revisit rates. DATA SOURCES Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar on 21 January 2021, and updated on 27 October 2022. No date or language limits were used. STUDY SELECTION Articles that (1) were peer-reviewed publications; (2) contained data about patient or parental language skills and (3) included either unplanned hospital readmission or ED revisit as one of the outcomes, were screened for inclusion. Articles were excluded if: unavailable in English; contained no primary data or inaccessible in a full-text form (eg, abstract only). DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently extracted data using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-extension for scoping reviews guidelines. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess data quality. Data were pooled using DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We performed a meta-analysis of 18 adult studies for 28-day or 30-day hospital readmission; 7 adult studies of 30-day ED revisits and 5 paediatric studies of 72-hour or 7-day ED revisits. We also conducted a stratified analysis by whether access to interpretation services was verified/provided for the adult readmission analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Odds of hospital readmissions within a 28-day or 30-day period and ED revisits within a 7-day period. RESULTS We generated 4830 citations from all data sources, of which 49 (12 paediatric; 36 adult; 1 with both adult and paediatric) were included. In our meta-analysis, language discordant adult patients had increased odds of hospital readmissions (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.18). Among the 4 studies that verified interpretation services for language discordant patient-clinician interactions, there was no difference in readmission (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.05), while studies that did not specify interpretation service access/use found higher odds of readmission (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.22). Adult patients with a non-dominant language preference had higher odds of ED revisits (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.152) compared with adults with a dominant language preference. In 5 paediatric studies, children of parents language discordant with providers had higher odds of ED revisits at 72 hours (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.19) and 7 days (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03) compared with patients whose parents had language concordant communications. DISCUSSION Adult patients with a non-dominant language preference have more hospital readmissions and ED revisits, and children with parents who have a non-dominant language preference have more ED revisits. Providing interpretation services may mitigate the impact of language discordance and reduce hospital readmissions among adult patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022302871.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet N Chu
- Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeanette Wong
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Naomi S Bardach
- Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Philip R Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Isabel Elaine Allen
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jill Barr-Walker
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center Library, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maribel Sierra
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
- Tendo, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Urmimala Sarkar
- Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elaine C Khoong
- Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Center for Vulnerable Populations, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA
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Bakillah E, Finn CB, Sharpe J, Kelz RR. The effect of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act on surgical outcomes in non-English primary language speakers. Am J Surg 2024; 227:189-197. [PMID: 37852843 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, Section 1557 mandated use of qualified language interpreter services. We examined the effect of Section 1557 on surgical outcomes. METHODS Utilizing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database (2013-2020), we performed a difference-in-differences analysis of adult surgical patients (Maryland, New Jersey). The exposure was implementation of Section 1557 (pre-period: 2013-2015; post-period: 2017-2020). The treatment group was non-English primary language speakers (n-EPL). The comparison group was English primary language speakers (EPL). Outcomes included length-of-stay, postoperative complications, mortality, discharge disposition, and readmissions. RESULTS Among 2,298,584 patients, 198,385 (8.6%) were n-EPL. After implementation of Section 1557, n-EPL saw no difference in readmission rates but did experience significantly higher rates of mortality (+0.43%, p = 0.049) and non-routine discharges (+1.81%, p = 0.031) in Maryland, and higher rates of post-operative complications (+0.31%, p = 0.001) in both states, compared to pre-Section 1557. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to our hypothesis, Section 1557 did not improve surgical outcomes for n-EPL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emna Bakillah
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Caitlin B Finn
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James Sharpe
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel R Kelz
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Yang C, Prokop L, Barwise A. Strategies Used by Healthcare Systems to Communicate with Hospitalized Patients and Families with Limited English Proficiency During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1393-1401. [PMID: 36821068 PMCID: PMC9948796 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01453-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, including many with limited English proficiency (LEP). These patients face various communication barriers, including a shortage of available interpreters and the need for masks that exacerbated communication barriers. It is not known how hospitals responded to these unique challenges to providing language services for the large number of patients with LEP during COVID-19. This narrative review assessed literature and lay media to identify strategies utilized by hospitals to communicate with patients with LEP hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. A search of APA PsychInfo, EBM Reviews, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, and Ebsco Megafile initially yielded 61 articles, 6 of which were ultimately included after reviewing abstracts and full texts. The identified interventions, which sought to increase accessibility of language-concordant care, increase accessibility of professional interpretation, and improve family communication and understanding, were described positively, though only one was tested for effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Yang
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Larry Prokop
- Department of Library Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Bioethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Oonishi A, Ikeda A, Francois N, Ono N. Relationship Between Patient-Provider Language Discordance and the Need for Professional Medical Interpretation for International Patients in Japan. Cureus 2023; 15:e47001. [PMID: 37965417 PMCID: PMC10641226 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Language barriers between patients and healthcare providers pose significant challenges in medical care in Japanese hospitals. Inadequate patient understanding of discussions with healthcare providers because of patient-provider language discordance has been reported in previous studies. There are growing expectations of professional medical interpreters to address these challenges. A previous study reported that patients with patient-provider language discordance were more likely to need interpreter assistance compared with patients with patient-provider language concordance. OBJECTIVE We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a questionnaire survey of foreign patients to analyze the impact of the degree of patient-provider language discordance on the degree of patient comprehension of patient-provider communication, as well as patients' need for professional medical interpreters in Japanese hospitals. METHOD From February 2022 to May 2023, an online questionnaire was distributed to 4,962 individuals aged 18 years or older who were non-native speakers of Japanese and who had attended medical institutions in Japan because of illness or injury experienced by themselves or by their children. A chi-square test and residual analysis were used to analyze the relationship between patient-provider language discordance and patient comprehension of patient-provider language concordance. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationship between patient-provider language discordance and the necessity of professional medical interpretation. RESULTS Among 4,962 study subjects who received the online survey, the total number of responses was 363 (7.3%). The rate of low-level patient comprehension was significantly higher in the patient-provider language discordance group compared with other groups. In a logistic regression model that accounted for sociodemographic factors, both the partial and complete patient-provider language discordance groups were more likely to want to use professional medical interpreters compared with the patient-provider language concordance group (OR: 4.16; 95% CI, 1.55-11.16; P=0.005; OR: 4.73; 95% CI, 1.70-13.18; P=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION The current findings suggest that hospitals should be better prepared to meet the potential language needs of international patients with no or limited use of Japanese in daily conversation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Oonishi
- Department of Medical Interpreting, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
- Astellas Pharma Inc., Medical Affairs Japan, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Ai Ikeda
- Department of Medical Interpreting, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
- International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Niyonsaba Francois
- Department of Medical Interpreting, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
- International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
| | - Naoko Ono
- Department of Medical Interpreting, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
- International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, JPN
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Naimi B, Agarwal P, Ma H, Levi JR. Association between no-show rates and interpreter use in a pediatric otolaryngology clinic. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 172:111663. [PMID: 37506576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand how primary language and interpreter use affect no-show rates in pediatric otolaryngology. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study using medical records of new patients in a pediatric otolaryngology clinic from 2014 to 2019. Data was collected on patient demographics including age, primary language, insurance type, maternal education level, maternal primary language, interpreter use at the first visit, total number of appointments scheduled, number of missed appointments, and number of completed appointments. Inferential statistics using parametric (ANOVA) and non-parametric (Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman correlation coefficient) methods were used. RESULTS Primary language was associated with significant differences in no-show rates (p = 0.0474), with Spanish and English speakers having the lowest no-show rate (33%). Overall, interpreter use at the first visit was not significantly associated with subsequent appointment attendance (p = 0.3674). Patients with a documented Spanish interpreter at the first visit had the lowest average no-show rate (31% ± 19%) compared to Haitian Creole (42% ± 18%) and all other languages (32% ± 19%) (p = 0.0265). Hispanic ethnicity, maternal education level, and maternal primary language were not associated with attendance. CONCLUSION Interpreter use at the first visit was not significantly correlated with no-show rates, but among patients that did require an interpreter at the first visit, those receiving services in Spanish had the best clinic attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Naimi
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Pratima Agarwal
- Boston Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Haoxi Ma
- University of Connecticut, Department of Statistics, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Jessica R Levi
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Boston, MA, USA; Boston Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Boston, MA, USA
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Kwan M, Jeemi Z, Norman R, Dantas JAR. Professional Interpreter Services and the Impact on Hospital Care Outcomes: An Integrative Review of Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5165. [PMID: 36982073 PMCID: PMC10048935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Migration patterns have rapidly changed in Australia and elsewhere, which have contributed to increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse societies. This requires healthcare sectors to provide professional interpreter services for patients with a language barrier to eliminate healthcare disparities. This integrative review aimed to investigate the impact of professional interpreter services on hospital care outcomes and the associated cost of service provision. A systematic search of five databases was conducted for peer-reviewed articles from January 1996 to December 2020. Data were extracted for the hospital setting, intervention, population, study design, outcomes and key findings. Following the PRISMA guidelines, full-text screening identified 37 articles that were analysed and included. Communication quality, hospital care outcomes and hospital costs were the three main themes identified. Closing the language gap should be a primary consideration to prevent adverse events that affect patient safety and the standard of care in hospitals. The findings of this review indicate the provision of professional interpreter services can enhance hospital care for linguistically diverse patients by improving patient-provider communication. To gain insight into the changing patterns on the outcomes of medical care, further research requires efforts by the hospital administrative system to document complete records of service usage.
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Azua E, Fortier LM, Carroll M, Martin A, Mayorga S, Albino A, Lopez S, Chahla J. Spanish-Speaking Patients Have Limited Access Scheduling Outpatient Orthopaedic Appointments Compared With English-Speaking Patients Across the United States. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil 2023; 5:e465-e471. [PMID: 37101862 PMCID: PMC10123429 DOI: 10.1016/j.asmr.2023.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate whether Spanish-speaking patients can obtain appointments to outpatient orthopaedic surgery clinics across the United States at a similar rate as English-speaking patients and to examine the language interpretation services available at those clinics. Methods Orthopaedic offices nationwide were called by a bilingual investigator to request an appointment with a pre-established script. The investigators called in English asking for an appointment for an English-speaking patient (English-English), called in English requesting an appointment for a Spanish-speaking patient (English-Spanish), and called in Spanish asking for an appointment for a Spanish-speaking patient (Spanish-Spanish) in a random order. During each call whether an appointment was given, the number of days to the offered appointment, the mechanism of interpretation available in clinic, and whether the patient's citizenship or insurance information was requested was collected. Results A total of 78 clinics included in the analysis. There was a statistically significant decrease in access to scheduling an orthopaedic appointment in the Spanish-Spanish group (26.3%) compared with English-English (61.3%) or English-Spanish (58.8%) groups (P < .001). There was no significant difference in access to appointment between rural and urban areas. Patients in the Spanish-Spanish group who made an appointment were offered in-person interpretation 55% of the time. There was no statistically significant difference in time from call to offered appointment or the request for citizenship status between the 3 groups. Conclusions This study detected a considerable disparity regarding access to orthopaedic clinics nationwide in the individuals who called to establish an appointment in Spanish. Patients in the Spanish-Spanish group were able to make an appointment less often but had in-person interpreters available for interpretation services. Clinical Relevance With a large Spanish-speaking population in the United States, it is important to understand how lack of proficiency with the English language may affect access to orthopaedic care. This study uncovers variables associated with difficulties scheduling appointments for Spanish-speaking patients.
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Barwise AK, Moriarty JP, Rosedahl JK, Soleimani J, Marquez A, Weister TJ, Gajic O, Borah BJ. Comparative costs for critically ill patients with limited English proficiency versus English proficiency. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279126. [PMID: 37186248 PMCID: PMC10132690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct comparative cost analysis of hospital care for critically ill patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) versus patients with English proficiency (controls). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a historical cohort study using propensity matching at Mayo Clinic Rochester, a quaternary care academic center. We included hospitalized patients who had at least one admission to ICU during a 10-year period between 1/1/2008-12/31/2017. RESULTS Due to substantial differences in baseline characteristics of the groups, propensity matching for the covariates age, sex, race, ethnicity, APACHE 3 score, and Charlson Comorbidity score was used, and we achieved the intended balance. The final cohort included 80,404 patients, 4,246 with LEP and 76,158 controls. Patients with LEP had higher costs during hospital admission to discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3861 (95% CI $822 to $6900, p = 0.013) and also higher costs during index ICU admission to hospital discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3166 (95% CI $231 to $6101, p = 0.035). A propensity matched cohort including only those that survived showed those with LEP had significantly greater mean costs for all outcomes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that international patients with LEP had significantly greater overall hospital costs of $9,240 than patients with LEP who resided in the US (95% CI $3341 to $15,140, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate significantly higher costs for patients with LEP experiencing a critical illness. The causes for this may be increased healthcare utilization secondary to communication deficiencies that impede timely decision making about care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Barwise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Bioethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - James P Moriarty
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jordan K Rosedahl
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jalal Soleimani
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Alberto Marquez
- Anesthesia Clinical Research Unit (ACRU), Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Timothy J Weister
- Anesthesia Clinical Research Unit (ACRU), Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ognjen Gajic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bijan J Borah
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
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Sina B, Noemi G, Myriam G, Ursula F, Anne J, Jabeen F, Kristina K, Julia B. The use of intercultural interpreter services at a pediatric emergency department in Switzerland. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1365. [DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08771-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe aim of our study was to analyze the use of interpreter services and improve communication during health encounters with families with limited language proficiency (LLP) at the pediatric emergency department (ED) of the University Hospital of Bern.This study is a pre- and post-intervention study analyzing the use of interpreter services for LLP families. All families originating from a country with a native language other than German, English or French presenting to the ED were eligible to participate in the study. If they agreed to participate, the language proficiency of the caregiver present during the health encounter was systematically assessed during a phone interview within a few days after the consultation, using a standardized screening tool. If screened positive (relevant LLP), a second phone interview with an interpreter was conducted. Further variables were extracted including nationality, age, gender and date of visit using administrative health records. To increase the use of interpreter services, a package of interventions was implemented at the department during 3 months. It consisted of: i) in person and online transcultural teaching ii) awareness raising through the regular information channels and iii) the introduction of a pathway to systematically identify and manage LLP families.The proportion of LLP families who received an interpreter was 11.0% (14/127) in the pre-intervention period compared to 14.8% (20/135) in the post-intervention period. The interpreter use was therefore increased by 3.8% (95% CI − 0.43 to 0.21; p = 0.36).The assessed level of language proficiency of caregivers differed from the self-reported level of language proficiency. Of the study participants in the interview whose language proficiency was screened as limited, 77.1% estimated their language proficiency level as intermediate. More than half of the LLP families who did not receive an interpreter and participated in the interview reported, that they would have liked an interpreter during the consultation.Conclusions: Interpreter services are largely underused during health encounters with LLP families. Relying on caregivers´ self-assessed language proficiency and their active request for an interpreter is not sufficient to ensure safe communication during health encounters. Systematic screening of language proficiency and standardized management of LLP families is feasible and needed at health care facilities to ensure equitable care. Further studies are needed to analyze personal and institutional barriers to interpreter use and find interventions to sustainably increase the use of interpreter services for LLP families.
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Bayer-Oglesby L, Zumbrunn A, Bachmann N. Social inequalities, length of hospital stay for chronic conditions and the mediating role of comorbidity and discharge destination: A multilevel analysis of hospital administrative data linked to the population census in Switzerland. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272265. [PMID: 36001555 PMCID: PMC9401154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social factors are recognized determinants of morbidity and mortality and also have an impact on use of medical services. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of educational attainment, social and financial resources, and migration factors with length of hospital stays for chronic conditions. In addition, the study investigated the role of comorbidity and discharge destination in mediating these associations. The study made use of nationwide inpatient data that was linked with Swiss census data. The study sample included n = 141,307 records of n = 92,623 inpatients aged 25 to 84 years, hospitalized between 2010 and 2016 for a chronic condition. Cross-classified multilevel models and mediation analysis were performed. Patients with upper secondary and compulsory education stayed longer in hospital compared to those with tertiary education (β 0.24 days, 95% CI 0.14–0.33; β 0.37, 95% CI 0.27–0.47, respectively) when taking into account demographic factors, main diagnosis and clustering on patient and hospital level. However, these effects were almost fully mediated by burden of comorbidity. The effect of living alone on length of stay (β 0.60 days, 95% CI 0.50–0.70) was partially mediated by both burden of comorbidities (33%) and discharge destination (30.4%). (Semi-) private insurance was associated with prolonged stays, but an inverse effect was observed for colon and breast cancer. Allophone patients had also prolonged hospital stays (β 0.34, 95% CI 0.13–0.55). Hospital stays could be a window of opportunity to discern patients who need additional time and support to better cope with everyday life after discharge, reducing the risks of future hospital stays. However, inpatient care in Switzerland seems to take into account rather obvious individual needs due to lack of immediate support at home, but not necessarily more hidden needs of patients with low health literacy and less resources to assert their interests within the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Bayer-Oglesby
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrea Zumbrunn
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bachmann
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
| | - on behalf of the SIHOS Team
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
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11
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Shiner CT, Bramah V, Wu J, Faux SG, Watanabe Y. Health care interpreter use in an inpatient rehabilitation setting: examining patterns of use and associated clinical outcomes. Disabil Rehabil 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35705483 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2086637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Professional interpreters can improve healthcare quality and outcomes when there is language discordance between patients and health care providers. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation relies on nuanced communication; however, the use of interpreters in rehabilitation is underexplored. This study aimed to examine patterns of health care interpreter use in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients admitted for subacute rehabilitation during 2019-2020 identified as having limited English proficiency. Patterns of interpreter use (professional and "ad hoc") and rehabilitation outcomes were evaluated via medical record review. RESULTS Eighty-five participants were included. During inpatient rehabilitation (median 17 [12-28] days), most clinical interactions (95%) occurred without an interpreter present. Patterns of interpreter use were variable; with greater use of ad hoc versus professional interpreters (received by 60% versus 49% of the cohort, respectively). Those who interacted with a professional interpreter had a longer length-of-stay, larger Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, and lower rate of hospital readmission six months post-discharge. The number of professional interpreter sessions correlated positively with FIM gain. CONCLUSIONS Access to professional interpreters in inpatient rehabilitation was variable, with some patients having no or minimal access. These findings provide preliminary evidence that professional interpreter use may be associated with clinical rehabilitation outcomes. Implications for rehabilitationProfessional health care interpreters can be used to overcome language barriers in rehabilitation.In an inpatient rehabilitation setting, professional interpreters appeared to be underutilized, with many patients having no or minimal access to interpreters.Use of ad hoc, untrained interpreters and informal communication strategies was common during rehabilitation.Use of professional interpreters appeared to be associated with favorable rehabilitation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine T Shiner
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valerie Bramah
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Jane Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia
| | - Steven G Faux
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yuriko Watanabe
- Department of Rehabilitation, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Darlinghurst, Australia
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Krampe F, Fabry G, Langer T. Overcoming language barriers, enhancing collaboration with interpreters - an interprofessional learning intervention (Interpret2Improve). BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:170. [PMID: 35279163 PMCID: PMC8918305 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03213-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Language barriers (LB) are common in patient care. They can negatively impact the quality of care, and increase costs. LB can be overcome by using interpreters. However, collaboration with interpreters is a professional activity which can and needs to be learnt. Interpret2Improve is an innovative educational intervention where medical and nursing students learn together how to address LB and effectively collaborate with interpreters. METHODS The three-hour course has two parts: After a short introduction on the relevance of LB and resulting issues of patient safety etc., students in interprofessional teams of two practice conversations with non-German-speaking simulated patients and professional interpreters. The course is evaluated in a pre-post format with the Freiburg Questionnaire for Interprofessional Learning Evaluation which has been validated in prior studies. RESULTS Fifty-one students (thirty of the participants were medical students, 21 participants were students in nursing care) participated from 11/2016-07/2018. Overall, the course was very well received (mean 1.73 (SD 0.85) on a five point scale: 1 = very good, 5 = insufficient). The evaluation by medical and nursing students differed significantly. Fourteen out of twenty-one items show a self-assessed increase in interprofessional knowledge or skills. CONCLUSIONS Students felt that their skills in addressing LB by effectively collaborating with interpreters increased during this interprofessional format. Further studies are needed to obtain further evidence beyond self-assessment and regarding the long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Krampe
- Center for Pediatrics, Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Present address: Childrens Hospitals Harlaching and Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Götz Fabry
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Rheinstraße 12, 79104, Freiburg i. Br, Germany
| | - Thorsten Langer
- Center for Pediatrics, Department of Neuropediatrics and Muscle Disorders, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Brophy-Williams S, Boylen S, Gill FJ, Wilson S, Cherian S. Use of professional interpreters for children and families with limited English proficiency: The intersection with quality and safety. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1201-1209. [PMID: 32259354 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Linguistic diversity is increasing nationally; patients with limited English proficiency require provision of professional interpreters. We reviewed hospital-wide use of interpreters for low English proficiency in a tertiary hospital across emergency (ED), outpatient and inpatient presentations. METHODS Two cohorts with low English proficiency presenting to Princess Margaret Hospital were audited. Records of new Refugee Health Service patients (presenting between January and July 2015) and non-Refugee Health Service low English proficiency patients (obtained through Language Services bookings) were reviewed to assess demographic profiles and use of interpreters for any occasion of service over the following 12 months (for each patient). RESULTS Data from 188 patients were reviewed (Refugee Health Service: 119 patients; non-Refugee Health Service: 69 patients; total 1027 occasions of service); all were under 18 years of age. High socio-economic disadvantage and limited education was noted. Almost all (98.5%) had low English proficiency; 3 Refugee Health Service parents spoke English; 68% of non-Refugee Health Service patients were in families previously transitioned from that service. Interpreter use was poor across all areas. Thirty-four patients had 46 inpatient admissions with documented interpreter use for 59% (20/34) of these. All patients underwent at least one procedure, with no instances of interpreter documentation for procedure consent. Documented interpreter use was minimal in outpatient occasions of service (32/118, 27% Refugee Health Service; 18/222, 8% non-Refugee Health Service). Only one Refugee Health Service patient had evidence of ED interpreter use, out of 78 ED occasions of service (34 patients). CONCLUSIONS Despite documented low English proficiency, suboptimal and inadequate use of professional interpreters persists. Low English proficiency patients are vulnerable, with socio-economic disadvantage, likely to impact on health outcomes and compliance. Organisational risk also is highlighted, including impact on clinical handover, informed consent and non-compliance with state language services policy. Further staff education and quality improvement work is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Brophy-Williams
- Refugee Health Service, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Susan Boylen
- Refugee Health Service, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Fenella J Gill
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Nursing Research, PCH, CAHS, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sally Wilson
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Faculty of Health Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Nursing Research, PCH, CAHS, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Cherian
- Refugee Health Service, Department of General Paediatrics, Perth Children's Hospital (PCH), Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS), Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Morris D, Lambert K, Vellar L, Mastroianni F, Krizanac J, Lago L, Mullan J. Factors associated with utilisation of health care interpreting services and the impact on length of stay and cost: A retrospective cohort analysis of audit data. Health Promot J Austr 2020; 32:425-432. [PMID: 32542897 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Utilisation of professional health care interpreting services improves the quality and safety of health care among patients with limited English proficiency. Health care interpreter service utilisation is inconsistent and suboptimal in Australia. Evidence of the impact of interpreter service use on patient outcomes and costs is limited. This study aimed to identify the proportion of hospitalised patients who received a health care interpreter during admission and describe the characteristics and outcomes for those requiring interpreter services. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of linked admitted patient data with internal interpreter audit data. This study included all inpatients in a health district-wide clinical audit of interpreter service use conducted between July 2016 and March 2018. The dataset comprised 74 patients (including 79 unique hospital stays and 90 episodes) from eight hospitals in one regional health district in New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS Interpreting services were utilised at least once for 54.4% (n = 43) of admissions. Females were more likely to receive an interpreter (65.1% vs 47.1%, P = .04). Age, preferred language, hospital, Diagnosis-Related Group partition and comorbidities were not associated with interpreter service utilisation. Differences in length of stay and cost associated with use of interpreter services were not statistically significant after casemix adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Approximately half of those who required an interpreter received one during their hospital stay. Further investigation is needed to establish whether regular clinical audits contributed to this rate of utilisation, which is higher than reported elsewhere in the literature. SO WHAT?: A detailed understanding of regional interpreting service use with evidence from the literature provides compelling and contextual evidence for change, at the level at which the service is delivered. This supports meaningful action to increase utilisation, and improve the quality and safety of health care delivered to patients with limited English proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy Morris
- Centre for Health Service Development, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly Lambert
- Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucia Vellar
- Clinical Governance Unit, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Fiorina Mastroianni
- Clinical Governance Unit, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Josipa Krizanac
- Health Care Interpreter Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Luise Lago
- Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Judy Mullan
- Centre for Health Research Illawarra Shoalhaven Population, Australian Health Services Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Jimènez Torres M, Beitl K, Hummel Jimènez J, Mayer H, Zehetmayer S, Umek W, Veit-Rubin N. Benefit of a nurse-led telephone-based intervention prior to the first urogynecology outpatient visit: a randomized-controlled trial. Int Urogynecol J 2020; 32:1489-1495. [PMID: 32388632 PMCID: PMC8203547 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-020-04318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis Triage has become a valid tool to reduce workload during the first consultation in a specialized clinic. A nurse-led telephone intervention prior to the first urogynecologic visit reduces visit duration and increases patients’ and physicians’ satisfaction. Methods All patients scheduled for their very first visit were recruited. They were randomized into an intervention group (prior contact by a specialized urogynecology nurse) and a control group (no contact). The intervention included a questionnaire about history and symptoms. Patients were prompted to complete a bladder diary. Primary outcome was duration of the consultation; secondary outcomes were patients’ and physicians’ satisfaction with the intervention. Results Fifty-five patients were allocated to the intervention group and 53 to the control group with no difference regarding age, BMI, parity, menopausal status and primary diagnosis. Mean duration of the telephone call was 10.8 min (SD 4.4). The consultation was significantly shorter in the intervention group than in the control group (mean difference: 4 min and 8 s, p = 0.017). In the intervention group, 79% of the patients found the consultation quality “excellent,” 86% would return, and 77% would recommend our clinic to a relative or friend compared with 68%, 67% and 66%, respectively, in the control group. Physicians were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the patient preparation. Conclusions A nurse-led intervention reduces the duration of the first uroynecologic consultation and is associated with high patient and physician satisfaction. Further research should evaluate whether it also decreases the number of follow-up visits and further referrals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00192-020-04318-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimènez Torres
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Klara Beitl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Julia Hummel Jimènez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Hanna Mayer
- Department of Nursing Sciences, University of Vienna, Alser Straße 23, 1080, Wien, Austria
| | - Sonja Zehetmayer
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Wien, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Umek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria. .,Karl Landsteiner Institute of Special Obstetrics and Gynecology, Silbergasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria.
| | - Nikolaus Veit-Rubin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18, 1090, Wien, Austria.,Karl Landsteiner Institute of Special Obstetrics and Gynecology, Silbergasse 18, 1190, Wien, Austria
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Abbato S, Ryan J, Skelly C, Good P. The other side of “getting by”: A case study of interpreting provision decision-making and consequences for patients. COGENT MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/2331205x.2018.1483096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris Skelly
- Head of Programmes (Research and Intelligence), Public Health Dorset, Dorset, UK
| | - Phillip Good
- Mater Health Services, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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