Understanding of diagnosis and medications among non-English-speaking older patients.

ObjectiveTo determine whether non-English-speaking background (NESB) patients had a poorer understanding of diagnosis and medications compared to English-speaking background (ESB) patients. MethodsEnglish-speaking background and NESB patients admitted to inpatient geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) unit were asked standardised questions about their admission diagnosis, reason for GEM admission and medications. Accuracy of answers, as compared to medical notes, ranked as full credit', partial credit' or no credit'. ResultsOf the 66 patients recruited (30 NESB), understanding of diagnosis and purpose of GEM admission was good. There was no difference between ESB and NESB patients. Understanding of medications taken prior to admission was poor, with 67% of overall patients scoring no credit'. NESB patients were more likely to score no credit' compared to ESB (80% vs 56%, P = 0.036). ConclusionReassuringly, patients had a reasonable understanding of diagnosis and purpose of GEM admission. Lack of understanding of medications, especially among NESB patients, should be improved. Practice Impact: Clinicians should be mindful that older inpatients may have a poor understanding of the medications they are taking and that non-Englishspeaking patients fare worse than English-speaking patients and explain the medications prescribed, including their purpose and adverse effects in plain language. This should not be hindered by language barriers, and extend to non-English-speaking patients by way of formal interpreters, or at least through informal interpreters like family and friends.