针对英语水平有限的外科手术患者，提供者对语言服务依从性的初步研究。

Pilot study of provider adherence to language services for surgical patients with limited English proficiency.

作者信息

Rosenthal J Walker, Bakillah Emna, Acker Rachael C, Sharpe James, Sharoky Catherine E, Kelz Rachel R

机构信息

Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Surgery and Health Economics, Department of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

出版信息

Am J Surg. 2025 Sep;247:116473. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116473. Epub 2025 Jun 10.

DOI:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116473

PMID:40554129

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act mandates the use of professional medical language services for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Policy adherence rates and associated surgical outcomes are unknown.

METHODS

A retrospective pilot study of 230 LEP patients ≥18 years undergoing cholecystectomy (January 2021-January 2024) was conducted at a single academic institution. The frequency of interpreter service use and language concordant documentation were abstracted from the electronic health record. Regression analysis was used to examine the association between section 1557 compliance and length of stay (LOS), emergency department (ED) re-visit, hospital readmission, and surgeon follow-up.

RESULTS

Interpreter use was documented for 62.2 % of patients and 30 % received language concordant documentation. Interpreter service utilization and language concordant documentation were not significantly associated with LOS, ED visits, hospital readmissions, or surgeon follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Language interpreter services are underutilized for LEP patients. These findings suggest the need for further investigation into the barriers to providing this service for patients during a time of critical decision-making.

摘要