Communication difficulties with limited English proficiency patients: clinician perceptions of clinical risk and patterns of use of interpreters.

摘要: Aims To explore clinicians’ perceptions of the communication difficulties experienced with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients and clinical risks these pose in hospitals, as well patterns interpreter use among clinicians. Methods Senior health professionals two District Health Boards (DHBs) Wellington Area (about 900) New Zealand were sent an electronic survey. Twenty clinicians interviewed about their experience 22 consultations LEP patients, equal number proficient patients. Descriptive statistics calculated, 95% confidence intervals formal statistical tests. Results 141 responses received to There was a high level awareness how access interpreters (84%) lesser DHB policy (65%). Most respondents felt that have significant effect on care at least sometimes, but there is wide variation reported actual interpreters, only 14% always using interpreter. In studied, no professional used despite clinician acknowledgement increased risk. Conclusion Even when are aware policy, obtain risk situation, this does not necessarily lead levels (NZ) has increasingly diverse population, services now deal numbers The international literature shows identifiable misunderstandings occur far more frequently 1 , failure leads adverse outcome. 2,3