Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Abstract Issue Addressed Patients with low English proficiency (LEP) often require interpreter services in health care, however, their usage remains low. This study aimed to explore the barriers to accessing interpreter services and suggests ways services can be improved in hospitals. Methods We conducted focus groups with clinicians and a retrospective audit of patient records. The clinicians were recruited from the inpatient wards and Emergency Department in a Sydney hospital, August 2022. The focus group discussion explored clinicians' experiences using an interpreter, and ways to improve access to the service. It was recorded, transcribed and coded thematically using Braun and Clarke's (2006) 6‐step framework. The patient record data were linked with the interpreter service booking data to determine whether patients flagged as requiring an interpreter on admission were provided with the service. Results Two focus groups were conducted with clinicians ( N = 9 in total). Long wait times for telephone interpreters, an inflexible booking system, and low availability of in‐person interpreters were identified as the barriers. The COVID‐19 pandemic also impacted in‐person service provision. Conclusion Some systemic barriers including an inflexible booking process and long wait times for immediate interpreter services were identified. The low use of interpreter services is attributed to the difficulties accessing the service and poor documentation in patient records. So What? Greater availability of in‐person interpreter services, an upgraded booking system, and effective implementation the NSW Health Standard Procedures for Working with Health Care Interpreters will address some of these barriers.
Tang et al. (Sun,) studied this question.