A new study published by the JAMA Network Open and conducted by Canadian scientists highlights the importance of clear communication between doctors and patients. In multilingual nations, such as the United States and Canada, challenges related to language barriers can present substantial challenges. For instance, in metropolitan regions like Houston, the number of languages spoken by residents and workers daily—beyond English—exceeds 145.
The study analyzed over 100,000 patients with hypertension, identifying 5,229 allophone speakers, meaning they spoke a language other than the officially recognized languages: English, French, and Indigenous languages. Researchers focused on how receiving care and communicating with physicians in patients’ preferred languages affected the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Conducting the study was a complex task, as researchers considered a range of factors, including age, sex, marital status, education, household income, location, Indigenous identity, immigration status, English proficiency, existing health conditions, and smoking habits.
Significant decrease of risks
The results were staggering: more than one-third of patients (36%) whose preferred language was not English or French were less likely to experience a major adverse cardiovascular event if they received care in their preferred languages. Additionally, the risk of hospitalization and mortality was reduced by 27% and 28%, respectively, for patients who received their primary care in their preferred language, which also included translation services.
Similar studies in the United States have shown positive results regarding the use of preferred languages other than English for patients diagnosed with issues related to glycemic control, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Dr. Michael Reaume, the lead author of the study and a resident in the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Nephrology at the University of Ottawa, expressed a critical insight: “If there was a new medication that decreased the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event by 36% or all-cause mortality by 28%, this medication would be immediately offered to our patients. We need to start thinking about language barriers in our healthcare system in a similar way.”
Human interaction is key
Dr. Reaume emphasized the importance of systematically collecting information about patients’ preferred languages early in the care process. However, achieving a perfect match between patients’ language preferences and healthcare providers’ language proficiency is a challenge that most healthcare systems may struggle to address fully. This is where the recruitment of medical interpreters and translators becomes vital. While technological advancements offer new communication avenues in the medical field, relying solely on AI-driven solutions or technology-assisted tools has limitations, particularly concerning the confidentiality of information exchanged during visits or medical examinations.
Since 1981, Universe has been a trusted partner in delivering critical communication services. Universe’s rigorous recruitment process complies with healthcare organizational rules and ethical standards, ensuring that all our interpreters and translators are meticulously vetted.
Source: https://www.lifespan.io/news/receiving-care-in-your-language-linked-to-lower-health-risks/
