6111 Bridging the gap: an audit of language access services for non-english-speaking patients and their carers

Objectives The NHS is committed to providing high quality, equitable, effective healthcare services that are responsive to all patients' needs.1 Audit aim: Assess adherence to offering interpretation services to non-English-speaking patients and carers during hospital admission. Focus: Investigate if patients on paediatric wards at St George9s Hospital without English as their first language receive interpretation services and their frequency. Additionally, explore alternative communication methods if interpretation services are not used. Methods A comprehensive audit was conducted to assess language support for non-English-speaking patients and carers during hospital admissions. Random audit days were selected between June and August 2023, surveyed patients/carers, and reviewed medical notes. Patients/carers were asked to rate their confidence in using English. Interpretation service effectiveness were evaluated and improvement areas were identified as part of the method. Results Out of the 142 inpatients surveyed, 32 patients were identified as having English as their non-primary language (see figure 1) Among the 32 patients for whom English was not their primary language, 12 individuals reported a confidence rating in using English of 3 or lower out of 5. 40% used family member or a family friend or the child himself (see figure 3) 17% used a medical staff who speaks the same language (see figure 3) The remaining participant were satisfied with understanding the general gist of the conversation (see figure 3) Conclusion The audit reveals a gap in the utilization of interpretation services during hospital admissions in paediatric ward in SGH for patients and carers with limited English proficiency (see figure 2) Using a family member, a friend, or a staff member for interpretation was not the most suitable approach. This is because, in the first two scenarios, patient confidentiality was at risk, and relying on non-professional interpreters posed challenges, as their understanding and interpretation skills could not be reliably assessed. Relying on a staff member is not a sustainable solution as it does not offer consistency or continuity.1–3 References Guidance for commissioners: Interpreting and Translation Services in Primary Care, NHS England/Primary Care Commissioning, September. Language interpreting and translation: migrant health guide, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 23 June 2017. Interpreting, communication support and translation national policy, Public Health Scotland, 22 October 2020.