Lost in Interpretation? Outcomes are equivalent between English Speaking and Non-English Speaking Patients following Bariatric Surgery with use of Certified Medical Interpreters

Authors

Sigrid Williamson, Division of General Surgery, Reading Hospital - Tower Health, West Reading, PAFollow
Oliver Gibb
Megan Bradley, Drexel University College of Medicine, West Reading, PAFollow
John Fam, Reading Hospital - Tower Health Weight Loss Surgery and Wellness Center, Wyomissing, PAFollow
David Tichansky

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Abstract

Sigrid Williamson West Reading PA¹, Oliver Gibb West Reading PA², Megan Bradley Wyomissing PA², John Fam Wyomissing PA¹, David Tichansky Los Angeles CA³Reading Hospital¹ Drexel University² David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA³ Introduction: Differences exist in medical treatment and outcomes of culturally and linguistically diverse patients. Extensive use of certified medical interpreters (CMI) can theoretically reduce these differences. This study compares outcomes following bariatric surgery between English speaking (ES) and non-English speaking (NES) patients who used CMI’s, thus evaluating the contribution of CMI to healthcare equity in bariatric surgery. Methods: Adult patients who underwent Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, or Duodenal Switch over a two-year period were divided into two groups by self-reported primary language, ES and NES. NES patients received all written educational materials in their primary language and were verbally communicated with through CMI’s. Data from pre-operative and follow-up visits up to 2 years were retrospectively collected. Outcomes between groups was compared using Chi-square analysis, group t-tests, and repeated measures 2-factor ANOVA, with p<0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: Of 783 patients, 705(90.0%) were ES and 78(10.0%) were NES. Mean preoperative BMI was significantly higher in ES patients (46.19kg/m² vs. 43.06kg/m², p<0.001). Follow-up to all visits was equivalent between groups. There were no differences in preoperative comorbid conditions except NES had greater prevalence of GERD(58.4% vs. 48.5%,p-0.035). There were no significant differences in weight loss at any two consecutive time points between groups. There was no significant difference between groups in total body weight loss (27.8% vs 27.94%, p =0.93), percent excess weight loss (52.6% vs 55.3%, p=0.38), or comorbidity resolution at 2-years Conclusion: With use of CMI, equivalence and equity in bariatric surgery outcomes can be achieved in NES patients.

Publication Title

Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases

Volume

20

Issue

6 Supplement

First Page

S98

Last Page

S98

Comments

40TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR METABOLIC AND BARIATRIC SURGERY held 2024-06-09 to 2024-06-13 in San Diego, CA, USA.

Recommended Citation

Williamson, S., Gibb, O., Bradley, M., Fam, J., & Tichansky, D. (2024). Lost in Interpretation? Outcomes are equivalent between English Speaking and Non-English Speaking Patients following Bariatric Surgery with use of Certified Medical Interpreters. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 20 (6 Supplement), S98-S98. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2024.04.308