Language: the ignored determinant of health

Abstract

Abstract Canada is one of the most multicultural countries in the world, with growing numbers of families who do not speak English or French as a first language. However, providing language-concordant services for patients with non-official language preference (NOLP) is not a standardized or measured component of our healthcare system, reflecting the historical marginalization of minority groups in our society. Existing evidence from other countries demonstrates the importance of language as a social determinant of health, and illustrates improved healthcare outcomes for patients with NOLP with the use of medical interpretation. This commentary proposes that a change in our approach to patients with NOLP needs to be accomplished through concerted efforts at the policy, research, and institutional levels in healthcare.