Language Discordant Colorectal Patients Demonstrated Decreased Post-surgical Engagement

Limited studies describe colorectal surgery outcomes for patients receiving language concordant (LC) and language discordant (LD) care. We hypothesize that LD patients will have increased interactions with the medical system post operatively.

Single-center retrospective cohort study analyzing colorectal resections (2015-2023) for English-speaking (ES) or non-ES patients. Non-ES patients were further classified as LC or LD, based on the surgeon's non-English language proficiency. Bivariate analyses and multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine language concordance as a predictor of surgical outcomes, while controlling for confounders.

One thousand one hundred thirty seven patients were included (607 ES, 97 LC, 433 LD). On multivariable analysis, LD patients had shorter length of stay (IRR [95% CI], 0.86 [0.79, 0.94], P < 0.001) and were less likely to call within 30 d (OR [95% CI], 0.09 [0.02, 0.38], P < 0.001), compared to ES patients. LC, LD, and ES patients were distinct groups with regards to colorectal cancer rate (P < 0.001), rates of elective surgery (P = 0.008), and proportion of Asians (P < 0.001). In our cohort, more LD patients (71.9%) had colorectal cancer, compared to LC (60.9%) and ES patients (55.9%). ES patients were the least likely (66.9%) to undergo elective surgery compared to LD (76%) and LC (79.4%) patients.

Compared to ES and LC patients, LD patients demonstrated decreased interaction with the medical system after surgery. Further research should evaluate if this reflects better outcomes or hesitancy to initiate care.