Is it time to talk? Interpreter services use in general practice within Canterbury

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Communication in Healthcare
• Health Equity

Background:

• Effective health communication is crucial for quality care and patient satisfaction.
• A growing non-English speaking population in New Zealand faces communication barriers in primary care.
• Trained interpreter services are underutilized in primary health care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the need and utilization patterns of interpreter services in general practice.
• To identify barriers and enablers affecting the use of trained interpreters.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach combining quantitative database analysis and qualitative interviews/focus groups.
• Quantitative analysis of 2008-2010 data from Partnership Health Canterbury (PHC) databases.
• Qualitative analysis of general practitioners, practice nurses, and administration staff perspectives.

Main Results:

• Approximately 10,742 consultations annually involved non-English speaking patients.
• Interpreter services were utilized in only 0.7% of these consultations.
• Key barriers identified: practicalities, expectations, service knowledge, and systemic issues.

Conclusions:

• Interpreter service use in primary health care general practice is significantly lower than the identified need.
• Strategies are needed to overcome barriers and increase interpreter service utilization.
• Adopting best practice policies can improve health outcomes and reduce risks for non-English speakers.