Healthcare staffs perceptions of using interpreters : a qualitative study

• Aim: To describe how healthcare professionals experience and perceive the use of interpreters in their contacts with patients with whom they do not share a common language. Methods: An explorative descriptive study. The study was conducted in different healthcare settings in Sweden and included 24 healthcare staff, of whom 11 were physicians, 9 nurses, 2 physiotherapists and 2 assistant nurses. Data were generated through written descriptions of the use of interpreters in healthcare and  analysed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: Two main categories emerged: 1) aspects related to the interpreter and 2) organizational aspects. It was shown that having a face-to-face, professional, trained interpreter, with a good knowledge of both languages and of medical terminology, translating literally and objectively, was perceived positively. The organizational aspects that affected the perception were functioning or non-functioning technical equipment, calm in the interpretation environment, documentation of the patients’ language ability, respect for the appointed time, and the level of availability and service provided by the interpreter agency. Conclusion: It is important to develop a well-functioning interpreter organization that offers trained interpreters with a professional attitude to improve and ensure cost-effective and high-quality encounters and care.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Interpreters

utilisation

health care

case study

Sweden

Nursing

Omvårdnad

Vårdvetenskap

Caring Science

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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