Interpretation errors — both big and small — occur when language resource provision is inadequate or when providers have a false sense of their language abilities.
The tragic case of Willie Ramirez regarding the misinterpretation of a single word — “intoxicado” — should serve to fuel action to change the landscape of language services.
(Spoiler: It has nothing to do with ‘intoxicated’)
Read more below to discover how providing innovative language support for healthcare providers will increase quality of care for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP)...
“Willie Ramirez became quadriplegic as a result of a misdiagnosed intracerebellar hemorrhage that continued to bleed for more than two days as he lay unconscious in the hospital. In the course of the law suit, it was asserted that Willie could have walked out of the hospital had the neurosurgeon been called in earlier. No neuro consult was ordered for two days because the Emergency Room physician and the doctor covering Willie in the ICU erroneously believed that Willie had suffered an intentional drug overdose and had treated him accordingly. The misdiagnosis was based on the physical exam which initially pointed to a drug overdose, and on complete confusion regarding the medical history. At the heart of this confusion, was the Spanish word “intoxicado” which is NOT always equivalent to the English word “intoxicated.” ”
Read the full story of Willie Ramirez here.
The most tragic part of this story, is that it could have all been avoided, had there been Qualified Bilingual Staff on site at the hospital when the incident took place. This story demonstrates the importance of certified bilingual healthcare professionals being present to serve Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients in these situations when they arise.
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