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Language Barriers May Drive Maryland's Rising Hospital Errors

Maryland hospitals saw 5% more medical mistakes in 2023. Language barriers among foreign-born staff may contribute to communication errors affecting patient safety and care quality.

This news matters because patient safety affects everyone who might need medical care. Communication breakdowns in healthcare settings can lead to medication errors, misdiagnoses, and treatment mistakes that directly impact patient outcomes. With nearly one-quarter of Maryland's healthcare workforce being foreign-born, ensuring clear communication protocols becomes critical for preventing avoidable medical errors. The findings suggest that addressing language proficiency and communication training could be essential for improving hospital safety standards and protecting patients from preventable harm during medical treatment.