Lost in translation: exploring therapists’ experiences of providing stroke rehabilitation across a language barrier

Abstract

As it appears rehabilitation is affected by a language barrier, this is likely to impact on the outcome of an individual's rehabilitation. The concept of "subtle communication" should be recognised as a vital component of therapeutic skills. Improving access to formal interpreters, extending their role and introducing training could reduce practical barriers. The conceptual model could be utilised by clinicians as a tool for reflection or education.

To ‘Get by’ or ‘get help’? A qualitative study of physicians’ challenges and dilemmas when patients have limited English proficiency

“…When using in-person interpreters, aligning the schedules of the physician, professional interpreter and patient is frequently complex, with some physicians commenting that it can range from several hours to days before these sessions occur. This is confirmed by the findings from other researchers working with physicians and other healthcare practitioners 31 32. As a result, it is not surprising that in some circumstances, physicians opt for the ‘path of least resistance’ (which may include using another healthcare professional or a family member to interpret).…”

Language Discordance and Patient-Centered Care in Occupational Therapy

“…Alternatively, clinicians must understand individual preferences and expectations to determine how the patient will receive, interpret, and share health information (Beach, Saha, & Cooper, 2006). Good communication strengthens trust and the therapy relationship, facilitating patient engagement in shared decision-making, a key component of patience-centered care (Elwyn et al, 2012; Taylor & Jones, 2014). …”

Speech pathologists and professional interpreters managing culturally and linguistically diverse adults with communication disorders: a systematic review

“…This lack of information on therapy tasks is perhaps a reflection that speech pathologists are potentially engaging professional interpreters more frequently for assessment sessions (Roger et al . ) and conducting fewer therapy sessions with CALD adults with ACDs (Taylor and Jones ), despite recommendations that CALD adults should be treated by collaborating with professional interpreters (ASHA n.d., Lorenzen and Murray ). Moreover, speech pathology therapy involving professional interpreters is likely still in the early stages of research.…”

“…While the reasons behind the difficulties in the availability and accessibility of professional interpreters were not specified, possible reasons have been raised in other literature. This includes a shortage of professional interpreters for particular languages, for example, Australian Indigenous languages (in some regions of Australia) or less commonly spoken languages/dialects (Commonwealth Ombudsman , Taylor and Jones ). Moreover, the review identified that speech pathologists were also concerned about the limited time to brief and prepare materials with professional interpreters.…”

“…As a result, there may be special requirements when working with professional interpreters that extend beyond those encountered in other healthcare professions, as professional interpreters working with speech pathologists to assess and diagnose ACDs in CALD adults may be asked to help identify these errors. This is also reflected in the added difficulties experienced by speech pathologists when working with professional interpreters, compared with other rehabilitation professionals (Taylor and Jones ). Many organizations acknowledge the communication‐focused complexities of speech pathology service delivery by distinguishing speech pathology as a ‘special interpreting context’, along with the mental health discipline.…”