The impact of cultural biases and language barriers in emergency care

Mayah Cousens; Carina Lam; Hio Weng Chu; Houssein Chahrour; Fallan Curtis

doi:10.33178/SMJ.2025.1.13

Authors

Mayah Cousens School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Carina Lam School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Hio Weng Chu School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Houssein Chahrour School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Fallan Curtis School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33178/SMJ.2025.1.13

Keywords:

Emergency Medicine , Cultural Barriers, Language Barriers, Implicit Bias

Abstract

Emergency departments (ED) serve diverse populations, making it essential to deliver equitable, high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their cultural or ethnic backgrounds. However, the fast-paced, high-stress environment of EDs, combined with challenges such as language barriers and cultural biases, often impedes this goal. These obstacles have been widely recognized as significant barriers to effective care. Addressing these challenges, as highlighted in the literature, can empower EDs and emergency care providers to enhance patient care quality, promote equity, and ultimately reduce adverse patient outcomes.

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