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Exploring the Impact of Language Services on Utilization and Clinical Outcomes for Diabetics

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  • Karen Hacker
  • Yoon Susan Choi
  • Lisa Trebino
  • LeRoi Hicks
  • Elisa Friedman
  • Bonnie Blanchfield
  • G Scott Gazelle

Abstract

Background: Significant health disparities exist between limited English proficient and English-proficient patients. Little is known about the impact of language services on chronic disease outcomes such as for diabetes. Methods/Principal Findings: To determine whether the amount and type of language services received during primary care visits had an impact on diabetes-related outcomes (hospitalization, emergency room utilization, glycemic control) in limited English proficient patients, a retrospective cohort design was utilized. Hospital and medical record data was examined for 1425 limited English proficient patients in the Cambridge Health Alliance diabetes registry. We categorized patients receiving usual care into 7 groups based on the amount and combination of language services (language concordant providers, formal interpretation and nothing) received at primary care visits during a 9 month period. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used to determine relationships between language service categories and outcomes in the subsequent 6 months. Thirty-one percent of patients (445) had no documentation of interpreter use or seeing a language concordant provider in any visits. Patients who received 100% of their primary care visits with language concordant providers were least likely to have diabetes-related emergency department visits compared to other groups (p

Suggested Citation

  • Karen Hacker & Yoon Susan Choi & Lisa Trebino & LeRoi Hicks & Elisa Friedman & Bonnie Blanchfield & G Scott Gazelle, 2012. "Exploring the Impact of Language Services on Utilization and Clinical Outcomes for Diabetics," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0038507
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038507
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jacobs, E.A. & Karavolos, K. & Rathouz, P.J. & Ferris, T.G. & Powell, L.H., 2005. "Limited English proficiency and breast and cervical cancer screening in a multiethnic population," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(8), pages 1410-1416.
    2. Dubard, C.A. & Gizlice, Z., 2008. "Language spoken and differences in health status, access to care, and receipt of preventive services among US hispanics," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(11), pages 2021-2028.
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