The use of intercultural interpreter services at a pediatric emergency department in Switzerland

Author(s) : Sina Buser, Noemi Gessler, Myriam Gmuender, Ursula Feuz, Anne Jachmann, Jabeen Fayyaz, Kristina Keitel, Julia Brandenberger

Source : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08771-z

Abstract:

“The aim of our study was to analyze the use of interpreter services and improve communication during health encounters with families with limited language proficiency (LLP) at the pediatric emergency department (ED) of the University Hospital of Bern. This study is a pre- and post-intervention study analyzing the use of interpreter services for LLP families. All families originating from a country with a native language other than German, English or French presenting to the ED were eligible to participate in the study. If they agreed to participate, the language proficiency of the caregiver present during the health encounter was systematically assessed during a phone interview within a few days after the consultation, using a standardized screening tool. If screened positive (relevant LLP), a second phone interview with an interpreter was conducted. Further variables were extracted including nationality, age, gender and date of visit using administrative health records. To increase the use of interpreter services, a package of interventions was implemented at the department during 3 months. It consisted of: i) in person and online transcultural teaching ii) awareness raising through the regular information channels and iii) the introduction of a pathway to systematically identify and manage LLP families.”

Keywords: Pediatric migrant health, Equity, Interpreter services, Communication in health care, Limited language proficiency, Pediatrics