A qualitative study exploring clinicians’ experiences of the use of interpreters in mental health assessment

Abstract Objectives: There is a dearth of research investigating clinicians’ experiences of mental health assessment of patients using an interpreter. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by exploring how clinicians, from several different disciplines in mental health, in both community and inpatient settings, experience the use of interpreters in mental health assessment. Methods: Fifteen participants were purposefully sampled from a cohort of clinicians currently working in specific inpatient and community mental health services in Dublin, Ireland. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using Reflective Thematic Analysis. Results: Six themes were developed: ‘Interpreters providing depth and adding cultural meaning to assessment’, ‘The absence of control over interpreter performance and selection’, ‘Interpreters being a reassuring presence for patients’, ‘Interpreters undermining patient freedom to express their thoughts and feelings in confidence’, and ‘Further training, guidance, and regulation are needed’, and ‘The practical barriers to interpreter use’. Conclusions: Findings emphasise the importance of interpreters in providing culturally relevant and meaningful information in clinical assessment, while also providing a reassuring presence for patients. However, our data also highlight the challenges associated with using interpreters in clinical assessment. For example, interpreters undermining a clinician’s ability to control the clinical interview and eroding patient confidence that they can communicate confidentially, and without prejudice. Deficits exist in interpreter and clinician training, guidance, and regulation that warrant urgent action to ensure that language does not prevent adequate, appropriate, and timely recovery-oriented assessment in mental health services.