Language as a factor affecting follow-up compliance from the emergency department.

We evaluated language (English vs. Spanish) as a variable in compliance with follow-up appointments from emergency department (ED) referrals and compared it with four other socioeconomic variables. Patients were interviewed on presentation to the ED. A follow-up interview was performed by phone 8 weeks later, after the scheduled referral date. We find that language is not a significant variable influencing follow-up compliance. Having a primary medical doctor prior to the ED visit was positively correlated with follow-up compliance and was the only significant socioeconomic variable irrespective of language ability. There was no significant correlation between English speaking and any of the socioeconomic variables. Among Spanish speakers, having a primary medical doctor and having some form of medical insurance were significantly correlated to compliance with referrals.