Limited English proficiency is a risk factor for adverse events, which can be mitigated by using professional interpreters. However, in this study, pediatricians' use of interpreters increased only modestly between 2004 and 2010.

Limited English proficiency has been shown to be an independent risk factor for patient safety events, but use of professional interpreters can limit these risks by improving communication with patients. This study found that professional interpreters were significantly less likely to commit errors in translating clinical information compared with ad hoc interpreters (such as family members or nonclinical staff).

Nearly half of pediatric hospitalists in this survey reported conducting family-centered rounds—multidisciplinary rounds conducted at the bedside in the presence of the patient and family members. Among other benefits, family-centered rounds engage patients in patient safety.

Health literacy remains a concern in reducing medication errors. This study discovered that only half of surveyed pharmacies provide non-English prescription labels or accompanying education to patients in need, highlighting the potential for errors.

The author discusses how language barriers can compromise a patient's health care and highlights the need for reliable interpreters to communicate medical information.