Effects of Limited English Proficiency on Outcomes Following Burn Injury

Studies indicate that surgical patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience longer hospital stays and higher emergency department (ED) recidivism. Burn care requires complex coordination for both inpatient and outpatient services, regardless of language preference. This study hypothesized that burn patients with LEP would have longer hospital stays, fewer follow-ups, and more ED visits. Following IRB approval, a retrospective chart review analyzed burn patients admitted between January 2018 and December 2019. Collected data included demographics, burn characteristics, outcomes, preferred language, and follow-up care. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 9.4), employing chi-square, Fisher exact, Spearman correlation, Wilcoxon two-sample, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A total of 751 patients (median age: 46 years, IQR: 26) were included, with 555 (73%) males and a median total body surface area (TBSA) burn of 6.5% (IQR: 12). Among them, 15% had inhalation injuries, and 5% died. Sixty-one patients (8%) identified a preferred language other than English. LEP and English-speaking patients showed no significant differences in burn size (5.5% vs 6.6%, P = .32), mortality (3.3% vs 4.7%, P = 1), length of stay (8 vs 9 days, P = .43), or discharge to home (86.9% vs 75.9%, P = .44). However, LEP patients were more likely to have scheduled follow-ups (93.4% vs 80.2%, P = .04), attend visits (78.7% vs 50.7%, P = .0005), and revisit the ED (19.7% vs 10.5%, P = .03). These findings highlight disparities in discharge education and outpatient care, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve post-burn recovery in LEP populations.