Lost in Translation: The Impact of Language Barriers in the Emergency Department.

T D De Loeij; R W J Kusters; F M I Al Khoury; J J Roor; M G J Versteegen; F H M V Osch; D G Barten

doi:10.1111/jep.70389

February 1, 2026

Lost in Translation: The Impact of Language Barriers in the Emergency Department.

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Key Points

This research investigates how language barriers affect patient care in emergency departments.
Observational study design
Assessment of communication practices in emergency settings
Evaluation of interpreter use and communication aids
Language barriers lead to significant issues in history taking and treatment explanation.
Inconsistent use of communication aids linked to information loss.
Rare use of interpreters contributes to adverse patient outcomes.

Implication

Observational study highlights communication challenges in emergency care, suggesting improvements are needed.

Abstract

Language barriers are frequently encountered in emergency care, mostly affecting history taking, explaining treatment plans, and discussing follow-up instructions. Communication aids are inconsistently applied, and interpreter use is rare, risking loss of information and adverse outcomes.

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Cite This Study

Loeij et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699fe2fe95ddcd3a253e67a2 https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.70389

View Full Paper

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Lost in Translation: The Impact of Language Barriers in the Emergency Department.

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

Lost in Translation: The Impact of Language Barriers in the Emergency Department.

Key Points

Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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