Interesting prospective study out of Philadelphia where Samuels-Kalow et al looked at dosing errors after discharge. 145/210 parent-child dyads that were discharged home after initial screening completed a post-discharge phone interview. The interviewer was bilingual. The investigators found that:
- 46 patients (23%) had an acetaminophen dosing error
- Spanish-speaking parents were significantly more likely to have a dosing error (OR=3.7; 95% CI, 1.6-8.1)
- Despite adjustment for language of discharge materials/instructions in the ED, income, and parental health literacy (aOR=6.7; 95% CI, 1.4-31.7)
This study reinforces the need for accurate discharge education for families. Written materials should be provided in the native language and should be simple and straightforward – not leaving critical information like doses of medications open to interpretation. The use of in-person or audio/video assisted interpreters should be available for any non-English speaking patients and families.
