Linguistic Isolation and the Transplant Waitlist

What is it about?

Waitlist inactivity is a barrier to organ transplantation, because inactive candidates cannot receive deceased donor organ offers. Researchers hypothesized that temporarily inactive kidney transplant candidates living in linguistically isolated communities would be less likely to achieve active waitlist status.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Kidney transplant candidates who live in ZIP codes with more non-English speakers are less likely to make it onto the U.S. active waiting list for a kidney transplant. Those with linguistic barriers - especially in Hispanic and Asian households - also wait longer for a transplant evaluation or never complete one at all.