Table 1:
Evidence-based impact of language barriers on patient outcomes27
| Length of stay if interpreter isn’t used at admission or discharge | ↑ (3 days) |
| 30-day readmissions (among certain chronic diseases) | ↑ risk (15%–25%) |
| Central line-associated bloodstream infections | ↑ risk |
| Falls | ↑ risk |
| Surgical site infections | ↑ risk |
| Pressure injuries | ↑ risk |
| Surgery delays | ↑ risk |
| Medication management (for example, adherence, understanding discharge instructions) | ↑ risk |
| Preventive screening | ↓ chance |
| Access to the healthcare system | ↓ chance |