Interpreter use during surgical consent for Asian patients with limited English proficiency

The aim of this article was to evaluate interpreter utilisation during surgical consent processes for Asian patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand.

We retrospectively analysed clinical data from 540 Asian patients who underwent surgical procedures at Waikato Hospital during 2022 and 2023. Patients were categorised into three English proficiency groups based on clinical documentation: proficient, suspected LEP and definite LEP. We used Chi-squared tests to assess associations between English proficiency, interpreter use and ethnic background.

Of 540 patients, 173 (32%) were classified as definite LEP and 14 (2.6%) as suspected LEP. Among definite LEP patients, 136 (78.6%) received interpreter services while 37 (21.4%) did not. No patients with suspected LEP received interpreters. Interpreter use varied significantly across ethnicities, with Indian patients significantly less likely to receive interpreter services compared with non-Indian patients among those with definite limited English proficiency (χ²=7.82, df=1, p=0.005). Definite LEP patients were significantly older (mean 65.4 years) than proficient patients (mean 47.4 years).

Significant disparities exist in interpreter service provision during surgical consent, particularly affecting Indian patients and those with suspected LEP. These gaps raise concerns about informed consent validity and equitable healthcare access. Systematic improvements in interpreter service protocols and clinician training are needed to ensure compliance with national guidelines and ethical care standards.