Patient Safety Event Risk and Language Barriers: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Patients who experience language barriers (LBs) may be at risk for patient safety events (PSEs). We conducted a scoping review of the literature to understand the risk for and type of PSEs in those who experience LBs. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase in October 2023. The search was organized into the following concepts: language barriers and patient safety. We included English language studies where risk of a PSE was compared in patients who experience to those who do not experience LBs or where types/characteristics of PSEs were compared in patients who are and are not at risk for LBs. We identified 22 studies for inclusion. Studies were primarily based in the United States and inpatient focused. Multiple methods were used to define patients who experience LBs and to identify PSEs. Patients who experienced LBs appeared to be at risk for communication-sensitive safety events, including medication-related adverse events and events related to vaginal deliveries, but at equal or lower risk for other types of events. Studies that did not rely solely on PSEs identified by clinician/staff report were more likely to identify disparities. We found few studies on PSE risk and LBs, a reflection of the dearth of research in this area and data sources with patient language. Studies had mixed results in part due to the multiple methods used to identify patients who experience LBs and PSEs. Interventions to reduce PSEs for patients who experience LBs should focus on events resulting from communication breakdowns.