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Felberg TR, Sagli G, Hansen C, Langaas A, Skaaden H. Patient education in multilingual groups of cardiac patients: Mission (im)possible? PEC INNOVATION 2024; 4:100304. [PMID: 38966315 PMCID: PMC11222795 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Objective In Norway, cardiac rehabilitation with patient education is usually accessible only to patients who understand Norwegian. The Cardiac Care Class (CCC) in focus in this article is a unique healthcare service in that, via interpreting services, it provides patient education to patients with limited Norwegian proficiency (LNP). This article examines the adaptations carried out to make cardiac rehabilitation accessible to LNP patients. Methods The data stem from a qualitative study with participant observation during interpreter-mediated CCCs and from interviews with healthcare professionals, patients, and interpreters conducted by an interdisciplinary team. The collaborative data analysis focused on identifying various forms of adaptations. Results Providing interpreting in CCCs required organizational, logistical, and pedagogical adaptations, including having fewer class participants, engaging qualified interpreters, conducting pre-class meetings with the interpreters, and adjusting the course content and language. Communication was found to be satisfactory, although some critical issues (e.g., interpreters' working conditions) were raised. Conclusion This study showed that interpreter-mediated CCCs can reach multilingual groups provided that the necessary adaptations are made. Innovation This research is the first to show how a cardiac rehabilitation class in Norway is made accessible to multilingual patient groups by providing interpreting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana R. Felberg
- Oslo Metropolitan University – OsloMet, Department of International Studies and Interpreting, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gry Sagli
- Oslo Metropolitan University – OsloMet, Department of International Studies and Interpreting, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Camilla Hansen
- Oslo Metropolitan University – OsloMet, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Langaas
- Oslo Metropolitan University – OsloMet, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanne Skaaden
- Oslo Metropolitan University – OsloMet, Department of International Studies and Interpreting, Postboks 4, St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
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Hudelson P, Chappuis F. Using Voice-to-Voice Machine Translation to Overcome Language Barriers in Clinical Communication: An Exploratory Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1095-1102. [PMID: 38347346 PMCID: PMC11116302 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Machine translation (MT) apps are used informally by healthcare professionals in many settings, especially where interpreters are not readily available. As MT becomes more accurate and accessible, it may be tempting to use MT more widely. Institutions and healthcare professionals need guidance on when and how these applications might be used safely and how to manage potential risks to communication. OBJECTIVES Explore factors that may hinder or facilitate communication when using voice-to-voice MT. DESIGN Health professionals volunteered to use a voice-to-voice MT app in routine encounters with their patients. Both health professionals and patients provided brief feedback on the experience, and a subset of consultations were observed. PARTICIPANTS Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals working in the Primary Care Division of the Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland. MAIN MEASURES Achievement of consultation goals; understanding and satisfaction; willingness to use MT again; difficulties encountered; factors affecting communication when using MT. KEY RESULTS Fourteen health professionals conducted 60 consultations in 18 languages, using one of two voice-to-voice MT apps. Fifteen consultations were observed. Professionals achieved their consultation goals in 82.7% of consultations but were satisfied with MT communication in only 53.8%. Reasons for dissatisfaction included lack of practice with the app and difficulty understanding patients. Eighty-six percent of patients thought MT-facilitated communication was easy, and most participants were willing to use MT in the future (73% professionals, 84% patients). Experiences were more positive with European languages. Several conditions and speech practices were identified that appear to affect communication when using MT. CONCLUSION While professional interpreters remain the gold standard for overcoming language barriers, voice-to-voice MT may be acceptable in some clinical situations. Healthcare institutions and professionals must be attentive to potential sources of MT errors and ensure the conditions necessary for safe and effective communication. More research in natural settings is needed to inform guidelines and training on using MT in clinical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Hudelson
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - François Chappuis
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Segal KR, Gomez JA, Schulz JF, Alvandi LM, Fornari ED. The Impact of Standardized Recovery Pathways on Language Barriers and Inpatient Pain Management. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:1001-1009. [PMID: 37850258 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Inpatient postoperative care is reliant upon clear, open communication between providers and patient-families, and thus is particularly vulnerable to disparities when discordant languages exist. It is not yet understood how standardized postoperative protocols may mitigate disparities related to language discordance. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study among adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion at a tertiary care children's hospital in Bronx, New York after implementation of a postoperative pathway in 2017. Outcomes reliant upon communication between patient-families and providers were measured, including measures of pain management (number and type of pain medications requested, daily pain assessments, total opioids consumed), as well as outpatient pain scores. RESULTS A total of 160 patients were included (39 language other than English [LOE]). Between patient cohorts, there were no significant differences in demographic or operative characteristics. On univariate analyses, LOE patients were more likely to be given a basal dosing of patient-controlled analgesia or additional boluses (26% vs 12%, P = .03), consumed 0.53 fewer benzodiazepine medications per day (P = .01), and were more likely to have pain at outpatient follow-up (67% vs 43%, P = .03). On multivariate analyses, LOE patients were more likely to be placed on basally dosed or receive additional boluses of patient-controlled analgesia (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval 1.15-8.85). CONCLUSIONS As standardized pathways become more common in health care, it is critical to monitor for components of these protocols that may be vulnerable to language-related disparities, such as therapies reliant on symptom description and outpatient follow-up.
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Bayer-Oglesby L, Zumbrunn A, Bachmann N. Social inequalities, length of hospital stay for chronic conditions and the mediating role of comorbidity and discharge destination: A multilevel analysis of hospital administrative data linked to the population census in Switzerland. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272265. [PMID: 36001555 PMCID: PMC9401154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Social factors are recognized determinants of morbidity and mortality and also have an impact on use of medical services. The objective of this study was to assess the associations of educational attainment, social and financial resources, and migration factors with length of hospital stays for chronic conditions. In addition, the study investigated the role of comorbidity and discharge destination in mediating these associations. The study made use of nationwide inpatient data that was linked with Swiss census data. The study sample included n = 141,307 records of n = 92,623 inpatients aged 25 to 84 years, hospitalized between 2010 and 2016 for a chronic condition. Cross-classified multilevel models and mediation analysis were performed. Patients with upper secondary and compulsory education stayed longer in hospital compared to those with tertiary education (β 0.24 days, 95% CI 0.14-0.33; β 0.37, 95% CI 0.27-0.47, respectively) when taking into account demographic factors, main diagnosis and clustering on patient and hospital level. However, these effects were almost fully mediated by burden of comorbidity. The effect of living alone on length of stay (β 0.60 days, 95% CI 0.50-0.70) was partially mediated by both burden of comorbidities (33%) and discharge destination (30.4%). (Semi-) private insurance was associated with prolonged stays, but an inverse effect was observed for colon and breast cancer. Allophone patients had also prolonged hospital stays (β 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.55). Hospital stays could be a window of opportunity to discern patients who need additional time and support to better cope with everyday life after discharge, reducing the risks of future hospital stays. However, inpatient care in Switzerland seems to take into account rather obvious individual needs due to lack of immediate support at home, but not necessarily more hidden needs of patients with low health literacy and less resources to assert their interests within the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Bayer-Oglesby
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Zumbrunn
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bachmann
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
| | - on behalf of the SIHOS Team
- Institute for Social Work and Health, School of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Olten, Switzerland
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Noack EM, Schulze J, Müller F. Designing an App to Overcome Language Barriers in the Delivery of Emergency Medical Services: Participatory Development Process. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e21586. [PMID: 33851933 PMCID: PMC8082383 DOI: 10.2196/21586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In emergencies, language barriers may have dangerous consequences for the patients. There have been some technical approaches to overcome language barriers in medical care but not yet in the prehospital emergency care setting. The use of digital technologies in health care is expanding rapidly. Involving end users at all stages of the development process may help to ensure such technologies are usable and can be implemented. Objective We aimed to develop a digital communication tool that addresses paramedic needs in the specific circumstances of prehospital emergency care and helps paramedics to overcome language barriers when providing care to foreign-language patients. Methods We actively engaged paramedics and software designers in an action-oriented, participatory, iterative development process, which included field observations, workshops, background conversations, questionnaires on rescue missions, studying the literature, and preliminary testing in the field. Results With input from paramedics, we created an app with 600 fixed phrases supporting 18 languages. The app includes medical history–taking questions, phrases asking for consent, and phrases providing specific additional information. Children as patients, as well as their carers and other third parties, can be addressed with appropriate wording. All phrases can be played back audibly or displayed as text. The comprehensive content is grouped into categories and adapted to diverse scenarios, which makes the tool rapidly usable. The app includes a function to document patient responses and the conversation history. For evaluation in a clinical study, the app is run on a smartphone with extra speakers to be of use in noisy environments. The use of prototypes proved valuable to verify that the content, structure, and functions discussed in theory were of value and genuinely needed in practice and that the various device control elements were intuitive. Conclusions The nature of the paramedic work environment places specific demands on the communication options used and need for such devices. The active involvement of paramedics in the development process allowed us to understand and subsequently consider their experience-based knowledge. Software designers could understand the paramedics’ work environment and consider respective needs in the menu navigation and design principles of the app. We argue that the development of any medical software product should actively involve both end users and developers in all phases of the development process. Providing the users with the opportunity to influence technology development ensures that the result is closer to their needs, which can be seen as crucial for successful implementation and sustainable use. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00016719; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00016719 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12913-020-05098-5
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Noack
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schulze
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frank Müller
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Krystallidou D, Langewitz W, van den Muijsenbergh M. Multilingual healthcare communication: Stumbling blocks, solutions, recommendations. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:512-516. [PMID: 32988684 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide guidance on multilingual and language discordant healthcare communication. DISCUSSION We provide a critical reflection on common stumbling blocks to securing (professional) language support, as well as on the currently available solutions to language discordance in healthcare. We discuss issues pertaining to i) the assessment of the patient and healthcare professional's language proficiency, ii) the decision making on whether to seek language support, iii) the currently available options of language support and the development of skills that ensure their effective use, iv) the inclusion of professional interpreters in the interprofessional healthcare team, and v) the transition from single- to integrated language support solutions that allow for a more comprehensive approach to multilingual healthcare communication. We present a set of recommendations for good practice. CONCLUSION Understanding the needs, capabilities and shortcoming of the available language- support solutions and the implications arising from them can enable decision makers to make informed decisions that ensure the quality of communication and care. The integrated use of language-support solutions at different stages of care can create the conditions for effective communication, while promoting patient and family participation in the decision making process. Evidence-based interventions that can inform the implementation of solutions are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demi Krystallidou
- University of Surrey, Centre for Translation Studies, School of Literature and Languages, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK; KU Leuven, Faculty of Arts, Sint Andries Campus, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Wolf Langewitz
- University and University Hospital Basel, Dept. Psychosomatic Medicine, Clinical Communication, Switzerland.
| | - Maria van den Muijsenbergh
- Radboud University Medical Centre Department of Primary and Community Care Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Pharos, Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht the Netherlands.
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Kleinert E, Müller F, Kruse S, Furaijat G, Simmenroth A. [Usability and Efficiency of a Digital Communication Assistance Tool to Obtain Medical History from Non-German-Speaking Patients]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2020; 83:531-537. [PMID: 32413911 DOI: 10.1055/a-1144-2848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM In the DICTUM-Friedland study, a medical history-taking app was implemented in an initial reception facility for refugees and asylum seekers. This app can be used to obtain from patients information about the most frequent general medical complaints and risk factors in 13 different languages or dialects. A report (synopsis) is generated, based on each patient's given data, in the German language. Usability and efficiency of obtaining medical history were the criteria evaluated in order to test and optimize the app for use in a broader general medical setting. METHODS From May to December 2018, the app was tested in the waiting room of the general medical ward in the refugee camp in Friedland in southern Lower Saxony, Germany. Patients were asked to complete a short digital questionnaire about the usability of the app immediately after finishing the query. Sociodemographic data were partly collected with the same questionnaire and partly extracted from patient records. The efficiency was evaluated on the basis of the correspondence between the entered complaints (ICPC-2) and the diagnoses of the doctors (ICD-10). RESULTS In total, the app was used 353 times, and based on these, 283 medical histories were taken. The median time for entering the complaints was 10:27 minutes. The use of the audio output (60% of patients used this option) did not influence the usability. The majority of the users (76%) rated the app as easy to use and 65% of the users stated that they were able to enter their main complaints. Both assessments were independent of the age and sex of the users, but the educational level had a slightly more positive influence. The efficiency test showed that 51% (n=144) of the synopses matched fully and 28% (n=79) of the synopses matched partially with the medical diagnoses. CONCLUSION The systematic survey of the most frequent general medical complaints enables a more precise medical history taking in patients with whom a normal interview is not possible due to language barriers. Thus it serves as a support for the medical history taking. The app is easy to use and not prone to the errors of online translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Kleinert
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Gottingen
| | - Frank Müller
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Gottingen
| | - Stefan Kruse
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Gottingen
| | - Ghefar Furaijat
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Gottingen
| | - Anne Simmenroth
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Gottingen.,Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Wurzburg
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Müller F, Chandra S, Furaijat G, Kruse S, Waligorski A, Simmenroth A, Kleinert E. A Digital Communication Assistance Tool (DCAT) toObtain Medical History from Foreign-LanguagePatients: Development and Pilot Testing in a PrimaryHealth Care Center for Refugees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041368. [PMID: 32093286 PMCID: PMC7068523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Language barriers play a critical role in the treatment of migrant and refugee patients. In Germany, primary care interpreters are often not available especially in rural areas or if patients demand spontaneous or urgent consultations. Methods: In order to enable patients and their physicians to communicate effectively about the current illness history, we developed a digital communication assistance tool (DCAT) for 19 different languages and dialects. This paper reports the multidisciplinary process of the conceptual design and the iterative development of this cross-cultural user-centered application in an action-oriented approach. Results: We piloted our app with 36 refugee patients prior to a clinical study and used the results for further development. The acceptance and usability of the app by patients was high. Conclusion: Using digital tools for overcoming language barriers can be a feasible approach when providing health care to foreign-language patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Müller
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen/Georg-August-University, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany or (S.K.); (E.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Shivani Chandra
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV), Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada;
- Crossroads Clinic, Women’s College Hospital, 76 Grenville St, Toronto, ON M5S 1B2, Canada
| | - Ghefar Furaijat
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen/Georg-August-University, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany or (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Stefan Kruse
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen/Georg-August-University, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany or (S.K.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Anne Simmenroth
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Evelyn Kleinert
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Göttingen/Georg-August-University, Humboldtallee 38, 37073 Göttingen, Germany or (S.K.); (E.K.)
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Cox A, Rosenberg E, Thommeret-Carrière AS, Huyghens L, Humblé P, Leanza Y. Using patient companions as interpreters in the Emergency Department: An interdisciplinary quantitative and qualitative assessment. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1439-1445. [PMID: 30929764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the perceived and actual quality of communication and the conversational mechanisms through which misunderstandings arise in linguistically diverse Emergency Department consultations. METHODS A mixed method approach was used, based on audio-records of consultations which rely on patient companions for linguistic support, and ethnographic contextual data. Interpreting errors and their potential impact on the clinical reasoning process and doctor-patient relationships were quantitatively assessed. Complementary qualitative ethnographic research provided a richer understanding of the context. The study involved interdisciplinary collaboration with specialists in applied linguistics, medicine, and psychology. RESULTS Accurate interpretation occurred in as few as 19% of interpreter speech turns. Answering for the patient and omitting information were the most frequent errors. The nature and severity of the impact of the errors varied. Answering for the patient had the greatest clinical impact. The omission of messages from the doctor to the patient negatively affected doctor-patient relationships. CONCLUSION Gaps were observed between the perceived and the actual quality of communication, although patient companions often provided useful information. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS In addition to raising awareness among doctors on the potential risks of using AHIs, EDs should adjust their management to increase the utilization of onsite and remote PIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoon Cox
- KU Leuven, Belgium; Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium; King's College London, UK.
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Jaeger FN, Pellaud N, Laville B, Klauser P. The migration-related language barrier and professional interpreter use in primary health care in Switzerland. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:429. [PMID: 31248420 PMCID: PMC6598246 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4164-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With increased international migration, language barriers are likely becoming more relevant in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the language barrier in paediatric and adult primary care, present its consequences, reveal how it is overcome, as well as highlight the use of and potential unmet needs for professional interpreters, using Switzerland as a case study. Methods Primary healthcare providers were invited nation-wide to participate in an online questionnaire on language barriers faced and interpreter use. Results More than 90% of the 599 participants in this nation-wide cross-sectional study face relevant language barriers at least once a year, 30.0% even once a week. Using family members and friends for translations is reported as the most frequent resort for overcoming the language barrier (60.1% report it for more than 50% of encounters), followed by “using gestures” (32.0%) or just accepting the insufficient communication (22.9%). Minors interpret frequently (frequent use: 23.3%). Two thirds of physicians facing language barriers never have access to a professional interpreter, the majority (87.8%) though would appreciate their presence and approximately one quarter of these even see a cost-saving potential. Multiple consequences affecting quality of care in the absence of professional interpreters are identified. Conclusion Language barriers are relevant in primary care. Improved access to professional interpreters is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne N Jaeger
- Kollegium für Hausarztmedizin, Bern, Switzerland. .,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. .,Kollegium für Hausarztmedizin (KHM), Rue de l'Hôpital 15, CH-1701, Fribourg, Switzerland. .,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland.
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