Grant: Operating Grant

Understanding the influence of language and ethnicity on quality and outcomes of health care is crucial because of the changing demographics of Canada. More than 1 in 10 Canadians' main language spoken is not English or French, and almost 1 in 6 are visible minorities. These individuals may have disadvantaged access to or use of health care services. Therefore, to improve their care and to help plan the health care system for the future, greater understanding is needed of the influence of language and ethnicity on quality of care. Stroke care may be particularly influenced by language and ethnicity, since its diagnosis and treatment are particularly influenced by subjective symptoms and physical examination signs, rather than laboratory or other diagnostic tests. Therefore, the ability to communicate effectively with health care professionals may strongly influence care. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of language and ethnicity on stroke quality of care and patient outcomes.