The migration-related language barrier and professional interpreter use in primary health care in Switzerland

BMC Health Services Research

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[1] Swiss Society of Paediatrics, Fribourg, Switzerland;grid.483142.8, Kollegium für Hausarztmedizin, Bern, Switzerland;grid.483142.8, Kollegium für Hausarztmedizin, Bern, Switzerland;0000 0004 1937 0642, grid.6612.3, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland;grid.483142.8, Kollegium für Hausarztmedizin (KHM), Rue de l’Hôpital 15, CH-1701, Fribourg, Switzerland;0000 0004 0587 0574, grid.416786.a, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, CH-4002, Basel, Switzerland;

关键词: Language barrier;    Interpreter;    Primary care;    Paediatric;    Family doctor;    Migrant;    General practitioner;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12913-019-4164-4

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundWith increased international migration, language barriers are likely becoming more relevant in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the language barrier in paediatric and adult primary care, present its consequences, reveal how it is overcome, as well as highlight the use of and potential unmet needs for professional interpreters, using Switzerland as a case study.MethodsPrimary healthcare providers were invited nation-wide to participate in an online questionnaire on language barriers faced and interpreter use.ResultsMore than 90% of the 599 participants in this nation-wide cross-sectional study face relevant language barriers at least once a year, 30.0% even once a week. Using family members and friends for translations is reported as the most frequent resort for overcoming the language barrier (60.1% report it for more than 50% of encounters), followed by “using gestures” (32.0%) or just accepting the insufficient communication (22.9%). Minors interpret frequently (frequent use: 23.3%). Two thirds of physicians facing language barriers never have access to a professional interpreter, the majority (87.8%) though would appreciate their presence and approximately one quarter of these even see a cost-saving potential. Multiple consequences affecting quality of care in the absence of professional interpreters are identified.ConclusionLanguage barriers are relevant in primary care. Improved access to professional interpreters is warranted.

【 授权许可】

CC BY