SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Heart Attack Knows No Language

Pdf Summary

This case highlights how language barriers can contribute to inequitable cardiac care. A 70-year-old Spanish-speaking woman was admitted with unstable angina. Prior chart reviews had labeled her as noncompliant and of poor health literacy, and cardiac catheterization was initially deferred because of concerns she would not adhere to dual antiplatelet therapy. She was instead scheduled for outpatient follow-up in three months.<br /><br />During hospitalization, however, the patient showed strong understanding of her medications and treatment plan when interviewed with a Spanish interpreter. Cardiology was re-consulted and proceeded with cardiac catheterization, which revealed nearly complete occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. A stent was placed.<br /><br />The case demonstrates how limited English proficiency can lead to miscommunication, biased assumptions, delays in care, and potentially dangerous undertreatment. It also shows the importance of using professional interpreters and not equating language differences with poor adherence or low understanding. The authors emphasize that hospitals should improve care for LEP patients through interpreter access, multilingual staffing, longer visits when needed, and provider bias training.

Asset Subtitle

Sahar Taghvaei

Meta Tag

Author List Phillip Winters, Sahar Taghvaei

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Limited-English-Proficiency Patients

Concept Professional Interpreter Services

Concept Language Barriers

Concept Implicit Bias

Concept Cardiac Care

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Stanford

Presenting Author Sahar Taghvaei

Track Adult

Keywords

language barriers

cardiac care

Spanish-speaking patient

unstable angina

health literacy

professional interpreter

cardiac catheterization

left anterior descending artery

dual antiplatelet therapy

limited English proficiency

Limited-English-Proficiency Patients

Professional Interpreter Services

Language Barriers

Implicit Bias

Cardiac Care