The effects of interpreter utilization on patient outcomes: A contemporary literature review

Background: More than 300 languages are spoken by patients seen in the USA in addition to a growing population with limited-English proficiency. An abundance of literature indicates language barriers contribute a myriad of challenges in the health care setting including increased likelihood of physical harm, longer hospital stays, delays in treatment, and higher readmission rates. Interpreters increase language concordance with providers. Objectives: To assess the effects of interpreter utilization on clinical outcomes, such as length of stay, readmission rates, and patient satisfaction, in patients in the emergency department or inpatient hospital who have limited English proficiency (LEP). Design: A literature review was conducted on articles published via PubMed between 1994 and 2021. Articles were eligible for inclusion if conducted in inpatient or emergency department healthcare settings, included assessment of outcome measure(s), and utilization of medical interpreter. Methods: Of 87 identified sources, 17 were deemed eligible based on inclusion criteria. Review of study details included readmission rates, length of stay, modality of interpreters, social determinants of health, adherence, provider satisfaction, study design, type of facility in which the studies were conducted, geographical region, and rurality of the community (urban or rural) in which the study was conducted. Studies were evaluated based on findings of the effects of interpreter utilization on patient outcomes as well as provider satisfaction. Results: Findings from this review affirm that use of interpreters is positively related to outcomes in hospitalized patients with LEP in most outcome measures. The outcome measure that is most substantially affected is patient satisfaction, but this outcome is highly variable and dependent on the modality of interpreter utilized.