Background

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.

Conclusions

With use of CMI, equivalence and equity in bariatric surgery outcomes can be achieved in NES patients.