Language disparity is not a significant barrier for time-sensitive care of acute ischemic stroke

The influence of primary language on postoperative stroke outcomes

BACKGROUND

Language barriers have the potential to influence acute stroke outcomes. Thus, we examined postoperative stroke outcomes among non-English primary language speakers.

METHODS

Utilizing the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database (2016-2019), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with a postoperative stroke in Michigan, Maryland, and New Jersey. Patients were classified by primary language spoken: English (EPL) or non-English (n-EPL). The primary outcome was hospital length-of-stay. Secondary outcomes included stroke intervention, feeding tube, tracheostomy, mortality, cost, disposition, and readmission. Propensity-score matching and post-match regression were used to quantify outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 3078 postoperative stroke patients, 6.2 ​% were n-EPL. There were no differences in length-of-stay or secondary outcomes, except for higher odds of feeding tube placement (OR 1.95, 95 ​% CI 1.10-3.47, p ​= ​0.0227) in n-EPL.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative stroke outcomes were comparable by primary language spoken. However, higher odds of feeding tube placement in n-EPL may suggest differences in patient-provider communication.

Stroke Screening Process for Spanish-Speaking Patients

INTRODUCTION

The Balance Eyes Face Arms Speech Time stroke screening tool may have limitations for Spanish-speaking individuals. The purpose of this study is to identify potential screen failure events during evaluation for intervenable acute ischemic stroke events among Spanish-speaking patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective, observational, single-center study at an urban academic center during 2020. Patients with a positive stroke screen were stratified by Spanish or non-Spanish. We measured last known well, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the emergency department provider's decision to escalate to complete stroke evaluation with acute ischemic stroke as the outcome of interest.

RESULTS

Among 796 patients (mean age of 52 years, 56% female, 37% Spanish speaking), 30% of patients with positive stroke screen were converted to complete stroke evaluation. For provider escalation to complete stroke evaluation for the outcome of acute ischemic stroke events, prevalence was 13%, sensitivity 81%, positive predictive value 22%, and negative predictive value 97% for the overall sample. Spanish-speaking patients were less likely to progress from screening to complete stroke evaluation (25.8% vs 32.8%; 95% for difference CI, 0.57-13.5). Importantly, there was no difference in rate of acute ischemic stroke between Spanish- and non-Spanish-speaking patients.

DISCUSSION

Over 1 year, with 796 patients triggered at triage by Balance Eyes Face Arms Speech Time for positive stroke screens, only 13% resulted in an acute ischemic stroke. Spanish-speaking patients were less likely to progress from screening to complete stroke evaluation, but the rate of acute ischemic stroke was not different by language.

INTERP: Interpreter requirements needed for tissue plasminogen activator evaluations and resulting performance: a retrospective review

AIM

To examine the influence of interpreter service needs (IS) on rt-PA administration time metrics.

METHODS

Retrospectively reviewed prospectively collected data from Comprehensive Stroke Center database (January 2011- April 1, 2021) and EMR.

INCLUSION

Subjects for whom a "stroke code" was activated. Excluded in-house strokes. Baseline characteristics, frequency of rt-PA, rt-PA exclusions and time metrics, NIHSS were compared between patients who did or did not require IS. Analyses utilized ANOVA, t-Test, Brown-Mood Median Test, or Pearson's Chi-squared test as appropriate.

RESULTS

Of 2,191 patients with stroke code activations, 81 had a documented need for IS. Rt-PA was administered in 9 IS and 358 non-IS patients. Median baseline NIHSS was higher in rt-PA group (9±8 vs 3±9, p<0.005). In IS patients, there were no differences in baseline characteristics between those who received rt-PA and those who did not, including median score for NIHSS aphasia (0±1 vs 0±1, p = 0.46). There were no rt-PA rate differences between those that did not and did require IS (17% vs 11%, p = 0.22). In patients with final diagnosis acute ischemic stroke, patients excluded from rt-PA solely due to being out of the window were more likely to have required IS (59% vs 35%, p = 0.003). Time metrics of rt-PA administration were not different in IS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in frequency or time metrics of rt-PA administration in patients requiring interpreter services during an acute stroke code. AIS patients requiring an interpreter were more likely to be excluded from rt-PA on the basis of time.

Limited English Proficiency Is Not Associated With Poor Postoperative Outcomes or Follow-Up Rates in Patients Undergoing Breast Reduction Mammoplasty - A Single Institution Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Limited English Proficiency (LEP) status has been associated with worse patient outcomes on a variety of metrics.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all bilateral breast reduction mammoplasty patients at our institution between 2015 and 2019 was performed. Data collected include patient demographics, language status, interpreter usage, complications, and follow-up clinic/emergency department visits. Patients were grouped into high and low follow-up cohorts by median follow-up. Bivariate testing and regression modeling were used for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1023 patients were included. Average age and body mass index (BMI) were 37.7 years and 31.7 kg/m2. All LEP (21%) patients used interpreters. There were 590 individuals in the low follow-up and 433 in the high follow-up group. Those in low follow-up were younger, with lower BMI, and were more likely to use Medicaid. Prevalence of diabetes and postoperative emergency department visits were higher in the high follow-up cohort. There were no significant differences in race/ethnicity, smoking status, and interpreter use between groups. Poisson modeling demonstrated that presence of complications is associated with a 0.435 increase in the number of clinic visits and a 1-y increase in age is associated with a 0.006 increase (P < 0.001). Interpreter use was not significantly associated with postoperative clinic visits. Multivariable regression modeling demonstrated BMI and diabetes to be significantly associated with incidence of any complication (odds ratio: 1.08 & 2.234; P < 0.001 &P = 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

LEP status was not associated with worse postoperative outcomes or follow-up length in patients undergoing breast reduction mammoplasty. This may be due to interpreter use and effective patient education.

The Impact of Limited English Proficiency on Healthcare Access and Outcomes in the U.S.: A Scoping Review

A majority of individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the U.S. are foreign-born, creating a complex intersection of language, socio-economic, and policy barriers to healthcare access and achieving good outcomes. Mapping the research literature is key to addressing how LEP intersects with healthcare. This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines and included PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, EconLit, and Academic Search Premier. Study selection included quantitative studies since 2000 with outcomes specified for adults with LEP residing in the U.S. related to healthcare service access or defined health outcomes, including healthcare costs. A total of 137 articles met the inclusion criteria. Major outcomes included ambulatory care, hospitalization, screening, specific conditions, and general health. Overall, the literature identified differential access to and utilization of healthcare across multiple modalities with poorer outcomes among LEP populations compared with English-proficient populations. Current research includes inconsistent definitions for LEP populations, primarily cross-sectional studies, small sample sizes, and homogeneous language and regional samples. Current regulations and practices are insufficient to address the barriers that LEP individuals face to healthcare access and outcomes. Changes to EMRs and other data collection to consistently include LEP status and more methodologically rigorous studies are needed to address healthcare disparities for LEP individuals.

Language Disparity Predicts Poor Patient-Reported Outcome and Follow-Up in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

 Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) have starkly different health care experiences compared with their English-proficient counterparts. The authors aim to examine the link between LEP and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction.

METHODS

 A retrospective review of all patients who underwent abdominal-based microsurgical breast reconstruction at our institution between 2009 and 2019 was performed. Variables collected included patient demographics, language status, interpreter usage, perioperative complications, follow-up visits, and self-reported outcomes (Breast-Q). Pearson's χ 2 test, Student's t-test, odds ratio analysis, and regression modeling were used for analysis.

RESULTS

 A total of 405 patients were included. LEP patients comprised 22.22% of the overall cohort with 80% of LEP patients utilizing interpreter services. LEP patients reported significantly lower satisfaction with an abdominal appearance at the 6-month follow-up and lower physical and sexual well-being scores at the 1-year follow-up (p = 0.05, 0.02, 0.01, respectively). Non-LEP patients had significantly longer operative times (539.6 vs. 499.3 minutes, p = 0.024), were more likely to have postoperative donor site revisions (p = 0.05), and more likely to receive preoperative neuraxial anesthesia (p = 0.01). After adjusting for confounders, LEP stats was associated with 0.93 fewer follow-up visits (p = 0.02). Interestingly, compared with LEP patients who did not receive interpreter services, LEP patients who did had 1.98 more follow-up visits (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in emergency room visits or complications between the cohorts.

CONCLUSION

 Our findings suggest that language disparities exist within microsurgical breast reconstruction and underscore the importance of effective, language-conscious communication between surgeon and patient.

Language is brain: Improving neurologic health equity for linguistically diverse populations

Neurologic clinical care requires that clinicians gather and synthesize complex information, including a thorough, precise history and a detailed physical examination that maximizes the patient's cooperation. Yet, for patients who do not speak the dominant language in the country or region where they live, effective communication with their clinician may not always occur. In this article, we discuss the impact of language on neurologic care, focusing on access to care and on the diagnosis and treatment of two common and potentially life-threatening conditions: stroke and epilepsy. We then review implications for clinical neurologic care as well as medical education and present evidence-based recommendations for improving neurologic health equity for linguistically diverse populations. Strategies should integrate professional medical interpreters (for oral communication) and translators (for written materials) into the neurologic team, account for families and caregivers in a culturally humble manner, and teach learners to apply clinical neurologic skills in both language-concordant and discordant situations.

The relationship between stroke system organization and disparities in access to stroke center care in California

Background

There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in receipt of reperfusion interventions for acute ischemic stroke. Our objective was to determine whether there are disparities in access to stroke center care by race or ethnicity that help explain differences in reperfusion therapy and to understand whether interhospital patient transfer plays a role in improving access.

Methods

Using statewide administrating data including all emergency department and hospital discharges in California from 2010 to 2017, we identified all acute ischemic stroke patients. Primary outcomes of interest included presentation to primary or comprehensive stroke center (PSC or CSC), interhospital transfer, discharge from PSC or CSC, and discharge from CSC alone. We used hierarchical logistic regression modeling to identify the relationship between patient‐ and hospital‐level characteristics and outcomes of interest.

Results

Of 336,247 ischemic stroke patients, 55.4% were non‐Hispanic White, 19.6% Hispanic, 10.6% non‐Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander, and 10.3% non‐Hispanic Black. There was no difference in initial presentation to stroke center hospitals between groups. However, adjusted odds of reperfusion intervention, interhospital transfer and discharge from CSC did vary by race and ethnicity. Adjusted odds of interhospital transfer were lower among Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 0.98) and non‐Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander patients (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.90) and odds of discharge from a CSC were lower for Hispanic (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.97) and non‐Hispanic Black patients (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.81).

Conclusions

There are racial and ethnic disparities in reperfusion intervention receipt among stroke patients in California. Stroke system of care design, hospital resources, and transfer patterns may contribute to this disparity.

The Relationship Between Limited English Proficiency and Outcomes in Stroke Prevention, Management, and Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

Introduction

Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) face structural challenges to communication in English-speaking healthcare environments. We performed a systematic review to characterize the relationship between LEP and outcomes in stroke prevention, management, and recovery.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Titles and abstracts from articles identified were read and selected for full text review. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed in full for study design, aim, and outcomes.

Results

Of 891 unique articles, 20 were included. Eleven articles did not provide information about interpreter availability or usage, limiting the ability to draw conclusions about the effect of LEP on measured outcomes in these studies. Overall, studies demonstrated that English proficiency is associated with better outcomes in preventive aspects of stroke care such as stroke symptom awareness, anticoagulation maintenance, and knowledge of warfarin indication. Some acute stroke care metrics were independent of English proficiency in seven studies while other evidence showed associations between interpreter requirement and quality of inpatient care received. LEP and English-proficient groups show similar mortality despite greater lengths of stay and greater proportions of care in dedicated stroke units for LEP patients. Post-stroke quality of life can be worse for those with LEP, and language barriers can negatively impact patient and provider experiences of rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Stroke patients with LEP face barriers to equitable care at multiple stages. While some studies demonstrate worse outcomes for LEP patients, equitable care was shown in multiple studies frequently in the setting of a high degree of interpreter availability. Patients with LEP will benefit from tailored education regarding stroke symptom recognition and medication regimens, and from provision of translated written educational material. Inequities in inpatient care and rehabilitation exist despite similar mortality rates in four studies. Future studies should report interpreter availability and usage within LEP groups and whether patient interactions were language-concordant or discordant in order to allow for more generalizable and reliable conclusions.

Effect of standardized nursing cooperation on intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the impact of standardized nursing cooperation on intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

From June 2019 to June 2020, a total of 235 AIS patients that received rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis were enrolled as the research subjects. Among them, there were 101 patients who were admitted between June 2019 and December 2019 and were placed into control-group and received traditional routine nursing collaboration procedures; and the remaining 134 subjects admitted between January 2020 to June 2020 were classified into the observation-group and received standardized care collaboration procedures. The time spent (from admission to CT examination, from completion of CT to medication and from admission to medication), the thrombolysis within 1 h, 1-2 h, 2-3 h and 3-4.5 h, the degree of damage of neurological function before and after nursing intervention, the occurrence of complications and satisfaction with nursing care were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The time spent in each procedure of thrombolytic therapy in the observation group was remarkably less than that in control group (P<0.05). The distribution of thrombolysis in the observation group was superior to that in control group (P<0.05). NIHSS score of subjects in observation group after intervention was obviously lower than that in the control group, with statistically significant difference [(3.34±0.87) points, (4.82±0.93) points, t=12.5318, P=0.0000]. The incidence of complications in the observation group was 5.97%, and that in the control group was 24.75%, with a statistically significant difference (X² =16.8317, P=0.0000). The nursing satisfaction of the observation group was 91.04%, which was significantly higher than 73.27% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (X² =13.1496, P=0.0003).

CONCLUSION

The standardized nursing cooperation for AIS patients with rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis is beneficial for effectively reducing the treatment delay and the incidence of complications, and improving the neurological function and satisfaction of nursing care, and as such it which is worthy of clinical promotion.