Problems and consequences in the use of professional interpreters : qualitative analysis of incidents from primary healthcare.

• The aim was to explore what probklems were reported by healthcare straff in primary healthcare concerning the use of interpreters and what consequences that might lead to. A single-case study of a real life situation was implemented by analysing 60 incident reports written by different health care professionals. Qualitative content analysis was applied. The results showed that the main problems were related to language in terms of lack of available interpreters in a particular language, and to organisational routines with difficulties in availability of interpreters and access to the interpreter agency. The consequences reported were incorrect use of time and resources, with increased workload and thus delayed treatment. Other consequences were limited possibilities to communicate and consultations carried out without a professional interpreter and instead using family members.

Keyword

communication barriers

incident reports

interpreter service

patient-safe quality care

qualitative content analysis.

Vårdvetenskap

Caring Science

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)