Are language barriers associated with serious medical events in hospitalized pediatric patients?
This study demonstrated an increased risk of adverse events in certain patients reporting a language barrier. Using a case-control design, investigators discovered similar event rates among patients requesting interpreter services, but a subgroup of Spanish-speaking patients requesting such services experienced a higher event rate. While the study suggests a potential relationship between language barriers and adverse events, the study design only offers an associative relationship rather than a causative one. Regardless, the authors advocate for continued research to better understand how improved interpreter services could reduce the potential for errors.