The Effect of Caregiver Language on Post-operative Length of Stay following Initial Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease Open Access

Abstract

Background: Several studies have described racial and ethnic disparities in children who
have had surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). However, none have
evaluated language barriers as a potential explanation for some of these disparities.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether caregiver language has an effect
on post-operative length of stay.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 3,250 subjects who underwent
their initial surgery encounter for CHD at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta between
January 1st, 2004 and December 31st, 2010, and who survived hospitalization to be
discharged home. Simple linear regression using least-squares means differences
of post-operative length of stay for children of non-English vs. English speaking
caregivers. Multiple linear regression was used to calculate least-squares means
differences for post-operative length of stay.
Results: Average post-operative length of stay was 8.68 days (median 5 days) overall,
8.60 days (median 5 days) for children of English speaking caregivers, and 9.36
days (median 5 days) for children of non-English speaking caregivers. Crude least-
squares means (LSM) difference was 0.76 day (95% CI, -0.93-2.45; P 0.3771). After
adjusting for age at time of surgery, sex, race/ethnicity, presence of genetic
syndrome, and surgery risk category, the difference remained insignificant (LSM
difference, 0.90; 95% CI, -1.65-3.44; P 0.4898).
Conclusion: Previous racial and ethnic differences observed in post-operative length of
stay for children who have had surgery for congenital heart disease do not appear
to be explained by caregiver language for children who had their initial surgery at
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta between 2004 and 2010.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents


Background/Literature Review 1

Methods 3

Study Design 3

Analysis 4

Results 6

Discussion 9

Strengths and Limitations 13

Conclusion/Future Directions 16

References 18

Tables 23

Table 1 23

Table 2 24

Table 3 25

Table 4 26

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	caregiver language barriers congenital heart disease pediatrics post-operative length of stay interpreter services
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Oster, Matthew E, Emory University
Committee Members	Oster, Matthew, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

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