Patient satisfaction with language--concordant care

The Spanish-speaking Hispanic patient population is more likely to be in poor health than their English-speaking counterparts. These patients are less satisfied with their care, which may lead to adverse health outcomes.

A quantitative, descriptive study was conducted in San Bernardino, California. Surveys reflecting various aspects of patient satisfaction and language concordance were distributed to 100 Spanish-speaking Hispanic patients over a 2-month period.

Nearly all patients (97%) indicated increased satisfaction if their providers speak Spanish, and a large majority (83.7%) reported that it mattered that their provider speaks Spanish fluently (83.7%). Those more satisfied with fluency were also less likely to speak English (P= .001), understand English (P < .001), or have a high school diploma (P = .002).

Spanish-speaking patients may be more satisfied if their provider speaks Spanish fluently. This potentially deleterious effect on patient safety needs further evaluation as to whether decreased satisfaction due to language discordance leads to adverse patient events.