Interpreter services and effect on healthcare - a systematic review of the impact of different types of interpreters on patient outcome

Heath, Morten; Hvass, Anne Mette Fløe; Wejse, Christian

doi:10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100162

Cited by 21 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…Inclusive practices for treating vulnerable and marginalized groups can help improve the social and mental health of MWUD [ 25 ]. For example, including interpreters or cultural mediators in healthcare services improves the quality of care for patients [ 26 , 27 ]. Civil society and health experts working with migrants who use drugs in the European Union recently published recommendations in four areas as part of an EU-funded project “Services for vulnerable migrants who use drugs in the EU (SEMID-EU)” [ 18 ] (Table 1 ).…”

Section: Recommendations From Civil Society Experts On Improving Heal...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A call to create integrated services to better address the needs of migrants who use drugs in Europe

van Selm,

White,

Picchio

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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Each year, thousands of migrants enter the EU. Data on drug use in migrant populations are scarce and inconclusive. However, several risk factors make them particularly vulnerable to engaging in problematic drug use. In this perspective, we summarize the limited information that is available on migrants who use drugs and make a case as to why it is essential to improve access to health and social services, including harm reduction services, for this population. With this aim, we call for the co-creation of integrated services that better address the needs of migrants who use drugs in Europe.

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Section: Recommendations From Civil Society Experts On Improving Heal...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A call to create integrated services to better address the needs of migrants who use drugs in Europe

van Selm,

White,

Picchio

et al. 2024

Harm Reduct J

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“…Digital tools may also hinder meeting migrant patients' affective needs when HCPs neglect using non‐verbal cues (e.g., maintaining eye contact) due to technology usage during medical encounters 24 . When ad‐hoc interpreters, informal interpreters and digital tools are used by default as substitutions for professional interpreters, this decreases the chance of migrant patients' cognitive and affective needs being met 25,26 . This translates into issues, such as the inability to navigate the healthcare system (e.g., knowing their rights) or feelings of alienation and discrimination 27–30 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…24 When ad-hoc interpreters, informal interpreters and digital tools are used by default as substitutions for professional interpreters, this decreases the chance of migrant patients' cognitive and affective needs being met. 25,26 This translates into issues, such as the inability to navigate the healthcare system (e.g., knowing their rights) or feelings of alienation and discrimination. [27][28][29][30] To adopting the 'getting-by' approach (i.e., relying on some communication strategies and underutilising professional interpreting services).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Uncovering communication strategies used in language‐discordant consultations with people who are migrants: Qualitative interviews with healthcare providers

Chan,

Suurmond,

van Weert

et al. 2023

Health Expectations

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BackgroundGlobal migration has led to a sharp increase in the number of language‐discordant consultations (LDCs) in healthcare. Evidence on how healthcare providers (HCPs) meet migrant patients' needs while mitigating language barriers is lacking.DesignUsing purposive and snowball sampling, we recruited twenty‐seven Dutch HCPs (Mage = 45.07, SD = 11.46) and conducted semi‐structured interviews to collect qualitative, open‐ended data for identifying the communication strategies used with migrant patients in LDCs. We analysed the transcripts using deductive and inductive approaches (e.g., constant comparative method from Grounded Theory). Final pattern codes (i.e., key themes) were discussed among the research team until mutual agreement had been achieved.ResultsFive key themes emerged from the analyses: HCPs often ‘got‐by’ with (1) instrumental and (2) affective communication strategies used in language‐concordant consultations to start medical consultations. When some instrumental communication strategies were deemed ineffective (e.g., lingua franca, gesturing, etc.) to bridge language barriers, HCPs turned to (3) incorporating digital tools (e.g., Google Translate). When HCPs were unable to communicate with migrant patients at all, (4) informal, ad‐hoc and professional interpreters were involved. Finally, HCPs often (5) involved additional support to engage migrant patients to engage in treatment‐related behaviours.Discussion and ConclusionsOur results highlight the importance of raising awareness among HCPs about using various combinations of different strategies. The development of a guideline indicating the optimal combination of communication strategies for different medical consultation goals may be useful in reshaping the current communication behaviour of HCPs in LDCs.Patient or Public ContributionHCPs were the study population involved in this qualitative study. Refugee health advisors, general practitioners and linguistic specialists (i.e., members of the Right2Health consortium) with experience with the Dutch healthcare system were involved throughout the development of this research. This includes a review of the research question, participant information sheet and interview topic guide as well as providing interpretations of the data and feedback to this manuscript.

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“…These trained individuals bridge the language gap and also understand the nuances, cultural contexts and medical terminologies, which ensure a more accurate and efficient communication. 20 21 Not incorporating such services where needed can potentially compromise patient care and safety. Furthermore, another study argued that discrepancies in communication related to language may increase patients’ psychological stress and result in errors with medically significant consequences, whereas patients in language-congruent encounters do not have this exposure.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality and safety issue: language barriers in healthcare, a qualitative study of non-Arab healthcare practitioners caring for Arabic patients in the UAE

Al-Yateem,

Hijazi,

Saifan

et al. 2023

BMJ Open

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ObjectivesTo identify language-related communication barriers that expatriate (non-Arabic) healthcare practitioners in the UAE encounter in their daily practice.DesignQualitative study utilising semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were conducted in English language.SettingDifferent healthcare facilities across the UAE. These facilities were accessed for data collection over a period of 3 months from January 2023 to March 2023.Participants14 purposively selected healthcare practitioners.InterventionNo specific intervention was implemented; this study primarily aimed at gaining insights through interviews.Primary and secondary outcomesTo understand the implications of language barriers on service quality, patient safety, and healthcare providers’ well-being.ResultsThree main themes emerged from our analysis of participants’ narratives: Feeling left alone, Trying to come closer to their patients and Feeling guilty, scared and dissatisfied.ConclusionsBased on the perspectives and experiences of participating healthcare professionals, language barriers have notably influenced the delivery of healthcare services, patient safety and the well-being of both patients and practitioners in the UAE. There is a pressing need, as highlighted by these professionals, for the inclusion of professional interpreters and the provision of training to healthcare providers to enhance effective collaboration with these interpreters.

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Interpreter services and effect on healthcare - a systematic review of the impact of different types of interpreters on patient outcome

Cited by 21 publications

References 44 publications

A call to create integrated services to better address the needs of migrants who use drugs in Europe

A call to create integrated services to better address the needs of migrants who use drugs in Europe

Uncovering communication strategies used in language‐discordant consultations with people who are migrants: Qualitative interviews with healthcare providers

Quality and safety issue: language barriers in healthcare, a qualitative study of non-Arab healthcare practitioners caring for Arabic patients in the UAE

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