Language Barriers and Emergency Department Crowding: Uncovering Disparities in Wait Times at an Academic Medical Center

Background

Emergency departments (EDs) serve as critical access points for acute medical care and often function as vital safety nets for vulnerable populations. Timely evaluation and treatment in the ED are essential for optimizing patient outcomes, as prolonged wait times are linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite the recognized importance of prompt care, disparities in ED wait times related to patient language preference have received limited attention. Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) frequently face communication barriers that can affect the quality and timeliness of care they receive.

This study addresses a significant gap by investigating the association between patient primary language and ED wait times, with a further focus on how ED crowding might modify this relationship. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for devising strategies to improve health equity in acute care settings.