Language Barriers in Consultations with Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Author Information
Author(s): Anne MacFarlane, Liam G Glynn, Phillip I Mosinkie, Andrew W Murphy
Primary Institution: National University of Ireland, Galway
Hypothesis
What is the scale of the need for language assistance in general practice consultations with refugees and asylum seekers?
Conclusion
The need for language assistance in consultations with refugees and asylum seekers in Irish general practice is high, and general practitioners often rely on informal methods.
Supporting Evidence
- 77% of general practitioners reported needing language assistance in consultations with refugees and asylum seekers.
- 63% of respondents felt they required an interpreter but managed without one.
- Only 7% of respondents could name a professional interpreting agency.
- 48% preferred face-to-face professional interpreters for effectiveness.
Takeaway
Doctors often have trouble talking to patients who don't speak English well, and they usually try to solve this problem by using friends or family instead of professional interpreters.
Methodology
Data were collected through a telephone survey of general practitioners in Ireland, asking about their experiences with language barriers in consultations.
Potential Biases
Low levels of knowledge about professional interpreting services may bias the responses of general practitioners.
Limitations
The study relied on retrospective accounts and was small scale, which may not fully capture the complexity of language barriers in practice.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of respondents was 49.9 years, with 73% male and 55% working in single-handed practice.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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