Improving communication between health-care professionals and patients with limited English proficiency in the general practice setting
Melanie Attard A , Alexa McArthur A C , Dagmara Riitano A , Edoardo Aromataris A , Chris Bollen B and Alan Pearson AA The Joanna Briggs Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B Adelaide North East Division of General Practice, Level 1, Education Centre, Modbury Hospital, Smart Road, Modbury, SA 5092, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: alexa.mcarthur@adelaide.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 21(1) 96-101 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY13095
Submitted: 28 September 2012 Accepted: 9 October 2013 Published: 12 November 2013
Abstract
Quality service provision and patient safety and satisfaction in encounters with health-care professionals relies on effective communication between the practitioner and patient. This study aimed to identify effective practices for improving communication between clinical staff in general practice and patients with limited English proficiency, and to promote their implementation in general practice. Effective interventions and strategies were identified from a review of international research. Experiences with their use in practice were explored via focus group discussions with general practitioners and practice nurses. The results suggest that, wherever possible, communication in the patient’s primary language is preferable; use of a qualified medical interpreter should be promoted, and practices should have a standardised and documented procedure for accessing interpreter services. General practice staff must increase their awareness about services that are available to facilitate communication with patients with limited English proficiency, and also develop attitudes, both individual and organisational, that will maximise the effectiveness of these strategies. These findings were used to develop brief, evidence-based practice guidelines that were disseminated to focus group participants for evaluation of utility and general feedback. This evidence-based guidance is now available to assist clinical and administrative general practice staff across regional and metropolitan South Australia.
Additional keywords: general practice staff, general practitioners, interpreter service, language assistance, practice nurses.
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