Canadian hospitals: Older patients, non-English speakers more likely to suffer harm [Video]

Patients who are older, don’t speak English, and don’t have a high school education are more likely to experience harm during a hospital stay in Canada, according to new research.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information measured preventable harmful events from 2023 to 2024, such as bed sores and medication errors, experienced by patients who received acute care in hospital.

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The research published Thursday shows patients who don’t speak English or French are 30 per cent more likely to experience harm. Patients without a high school education are 20 per cent more likely to endure harm compared to those with higher education levels.

The report also found that patients 85 and older are five times more likely to experience harm during a hospital stay compared to those under 20.

“The goal of this report is …