Objective:

Identify 90-day stroke outcome, using the modified Rankin Score (mRS), in patients with limited English proficiency discharged from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Secondary objective is to identify post-stroke neurological follow-up and rehab therapies utilized by patients with limited English proficiency. 

Background:

Stroke patients in the United States who are not proficient in English have worse stroke recovery and minimal post-stroke follow-up care.

Design/Methods:

Retrospective data gathered from 2019-2022 from Methodist Hospital's comprehensive stroke center was analyzed. Patients who underwent acute stroke treatment with either thrombolytic therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy whose medical record reflected non-English proficiency were identified and analyzed for 90-day modified Rankin Score (mRS). These same patients had manual inspection of their chart to identify post-stroke care with rehab therapies and follow-up neurological care.  

Results:

Between the years of 2019-2022, there were 55 patients admitted to Methodist Hospital diagnosed with stroke whose medical record indicated they were not proficient in English. Of these 55 total patients, 25 of them (45%) were identified within the acute treatment window for stroke. 6 patients qualified for and underwent an acute intervention either with thrombolysis or thrombectomy. 3 patients discharged to acute rehab and 3 patients discharged to home. 1 out of the 6 patients had documented neurological follow-up. The average mRS at 90 days was 2. Of the total 55 patients, 20% of them had their language preference incorrectly labeled or uncategorized.   

Conclusions:

Data for non-English proficient stroke patients is limited, suggesting better documentation of language proficiency is needed to best assess the outcomes and care of patients with limited English proficiency. There is a need for better stroke follow-up care in the outpatient setting. Dedicated research to determine ways in which to capture this population and to incorporate them into follow-up care is needed.