Evaluating the Impact of Provider-Patient Language Concordance on Hospitalization Outcomes Among Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Authors

• Francesca Lattanzi, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Health Equity / Disparities

Advisor

Tom Colletti, DHSc, MPAS, PA-C Emeritus, DFAAPA

Abstract

This review examines the impact of patient-provider language concordance on healthcare quality and outcomes among individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) in the United States. Addressing language barriers is essential to providing safe, high-quality, and equitable healthcare, especially for individuals with LEP. Miscommunication related to these barriers contributes to diagnostic delays, medication errors, increased hospital admissions, and lower patient satisfaction. One strategy to address this issue is patient-provider language concordance, defined as direct communication between a patient and a provider in the patient’s preferred language. Patient-provider language concordance has been shown to strengthen trust, improve clinical outcomes, and provide patient-centered care. A comprehensive electronic database search identified studies evaluating clinical, communicative, and patient-centered outcomes associated with language-concordant care. This manuscript will explore how language concordance improves patient outcomes and will highlight strategies that healthcare systems can implement to reduce disparities and improve communication. Existing evidence shows that language concordance improves understanding of treatment plans and increases adherence, reducing hospitalizations. Patients who can communicate directly with their provider in their preferred language report a greater sense of respect, safety, and autonomy. Although interpreter services exist, the outcomes that are achieved through language-concordant communication are more favorable than those achieved through interpreter services alone. There is evidence that implementing language-concordant care will present a few challenges. These challenges include a workforce shortage of bilingual clinicians, limited training in medical terminology, inconsistent documentation of language preference in the electronic health records, and variability when it comes to interpreter quality. This manuscript shows language concordance to be a clinical and ethical necessity. Improved communication between a patient and a provider serves as the foundation for equitable and culturally responsible patient-centered care. Further research will be needed to determine long-term outcomes and economic impacts of patient-concordant care across a wide variety of clinical settings. Improving language concordance in healthcare will be an impactful strategy to improve outcomes amongst those with limited English proficiency.

Recommended Citation

Lattanzi F. Evaluating the Impact of Provider-Patient Language Concordance on Hospitalization Outcomes Among Patients with Limited English Proficiency. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2026; 8(1).