A qualitative study exploring the use of interpreters in a healthcare setting for children and young people seeking asylum and refugees

Abstract Background Children and Young People Seeking Asylum and Refugees (CYPSAR) are increasing in number in the UK and globally. CYPSAR have many vulnerabilities which affect access to healthcare, including an almost universal requirement for language interpretation in healthcare settings. Current UK guidelines recommend in-person interpreters, but, in practice, remote interpreters are often used for pragmatic reasons. Aims This study aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers in a specialist refugee health service regarding the use of remote interpreters when caring for CYPSAR. Methods Nine semi-structured individual interviews were performed with healthcare workers (July-August 2024). Participants were opportunistically recruited through professional networks. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results The key themes identified include both the positive and negative roles of interpreters in the development of patient-professional relationships, and recommendations for mitigators in this context. The significance of the interpreters role as both cultural and linguistic was discussed, as was the influence of patient age and trauma (patients’ own, and vicarious trauma for interpreters). Despite a lack of formal training, participants felt competent in using remote interpreters and that remote interpretation is generally acceptable when providing care to CYPSAR, albeit with some caveats and dependent on context. Conclusions This work provides evidence for how best to address language barriers in healthcare provision to CYPSAR. We make recommendations to optimise effective interpretation in consultations with CYPSAR, including that provision is made for both remote and in-person interpretation.