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A positive patient-doctor relationship is essential for a healthy life, and new research highlights the impact of a shared language in reducing cardiovascular disease, ultimately leading to increased longevity.
A retrospective cohort study conducted by researchers at the University of Ottawa and the University of Manitoba has revealed that Canadians with hypertension, whose primary language is neither English nor French, were 36% less likely to experience a major adverse cardiovascular event—such as heart attack, heart failure, or stroke—if they received care from a doctor who spoke their preferred language. Moreover, these patients were 28% less likely to die when compared to those who were treated by doctors who did not share their language.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, was led by Michael Reaume, a resident in the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Nephrology. The research analyzed data from 124,583 respondents who spoke nearly 100 different languages.
“If there was a new medication that decreased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 36% or all-cause mortality by 28%, this medication would immediately be offered to our patients. We need to start thinking about language barriers in our health care systems in a similar way,” says Reaume.
To improve patient outcomes, Reaume emphasizes the importance of systematically collecting patients’ preferred language information. This enables health care systems to match patients with health care providers proficient in their language while also identifying those who may require professional interpretation services.
Proposed Recommendations
- Enhancing Language-Concordant Care: Improving access to doctors who speak the same language as their patients could significantly reduce cardiovascular risks and improve overall health care quality.
- Promoting Equitable Access to Medical Education: Encouraging individuals from minority language communities to pursue medical education can help ensure that the linguistic diversity of health care providers aligns with that of patients.
- Systematic Language Data Collection: Recording the languages spoken by patients and health care providers can enable health care systems to implement strategies for better patient-provider matching and provide interpretation services where needed.
The study underscores the importance of communication in health care and presents a strong case for addressing language barriers as a key factor in improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult health care professionals regarding their individual health concerns.
