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Published on: February 23, 2024
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Effects of Limited English Proficiency on Outcomes Following Burn Injury
Andrea Rosmery Iturralde Carrillo1, Larissa Epstein2, Carina Franco3
1Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
Summary
Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in burn care showed higher emergency department (ED) revisits and lower follow-up visit attendance. Targeted interventions are needed to improve post-burn recovery for LEP populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Surgical Outcomes
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Limited English proficiency (LEP) is associated with poorer surgical outcomes, including longer hospital stays and increased emergency department (ED) use.
- Burn care necessitates complex, coordinated inpatient and outpatient management, making effective communication crucial for all patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of limited English proficiency (LEP) on clinical outcomes and follow-up care adherence in adult burn patients.
- To identify potential disparities in care and outcomes between LEP and English-speaking burn patient populations.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of 751 adult burn patients admitted between January 2018 and December 2019 was conducted.
- Data collected included demographics, burn characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, preferred language, and post-discharge follow-up adherence.
- Statistical analyses utilized chi-square, Fisher exact, Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon two-sample, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed between LEP and English-speaking patients regarding burn size, mortality, length of stay, or discharge destination.
- LEP patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of scheduled follow-up appointments (93.4% vs. 80.2%, P=.04) and ED revisits (19.7% vs. 10.5%, P=.03).
- However, LEP patients had lower attendance rates for scheduled follow-up visits (78.7% vs. 50.7%, P=.0005).
Conclusions:
- Despite comparable initial burn severity and mortality, LEP burn patients face challenges in accessing and adhering to outpatient care.
- Findings suggest potential disparities in discharge education and communication strategies for LEP individuals.
- Targeted interventions are essential to enhance post-burn recovery and reduce healthcare utilization disparities in the LEP population.
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