Language proficiency and adverse events in US hospitals: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Health Services Research
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Limited English proficiency (LEP) poses challenges in healthcare delivery.
• Communication barriers can impact patient safety and outcomes.
• Understanding adverse event characteristics in diverse patient populations is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the characteristics of adverse events between English-speaking patients and those with limited English proficiency.
• To identify specific differences in harm severity and causes of adverse events related to language barriers.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of adverse event data from six accredited US hospitals.
• Data collected over seven months in 2005.
• Classification of events using the National Quality Forum's Patient Safety Event Taxonomy.

Main Results:

• Adverse events in LEP patients were more likely to involve physical harm (49.1% vs. 29.5%).
• LEP patient adverse events resulting in harm were more severe (46.8% moderate to death vs. 24.4%).
• Communication errors were a more frequent cause of adverse events for LEP patients (52.4% vs. 35.9%).

Conclusions:

• Language barriers significantly increase patient safety risks.
• Accessible, competent language services are vital for LEP patients.
• Hospitals should systematically collect language data and document provided services.