Minority language

Political science

Computer science

Philosophy

Health care

Medicine

Nursing

Quality (philosophy)

Linguistics

Interpreter

Family medicine

First language

Epistemology

Psychology

Programming language

Patient safety

Language barrier

Pathology

Journal of Patient Experience

The risks to patient safety and quality of care faced by members of linguistic minority groups have been well-documented. However, little research has focused on the experience of official language minorities in Canada.This multiple method study (online and paper-based surveys combined with semi-structured individual interviews with patients and interpreters-health navigators) explored the experience of minority Francophones living in 4 Canadian provinces.Patients and interpreters-navigators described experiences where language barriers contributed to poorer patient assessment, misdiagnosis and/or delayed treatment, incomplete understanding of patient condition and prescribed treatment, and impaired confidence in services received. Reliance on Google Translate and ad hoc, untrained interpreters are commonly reported, in spite of evidence highlighting the risks associated with such practice.Increased awareness that the risks of language barriers apply to official language minorities is essential.

Impact of Language Barriers on Quality of Care and Patient Safety for Official Language Minority Francophones in Canada