Interpreter costs across clinical commissioning groups in England 2017-2018: a cross sectional survey using 'freedom of information' requests.

Abstract

Professional interpreters are considered to be the gold standard when meeting the needs of patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in primary care. The models by which CCGs supply interpreting services (IS) vary. Many CCGs use external commercial IS, while other CCGs commission 'not for profit' services such as the Advocacy and Interpreting Service in Tower Hamlets, the Sussex Interpreting Service, and the decommissioned Sheffield Community Access and Interpreting Service. Research on comparative costs and needs of the LEP population is lacking. To compare the costs of interpreting services between CCG's in England. A cross-sectional study involving CCGs in England. A standardised request was sent to 195 CCGs inviting comment on how much the CCG spent (2017-2018) on IS. The data were plotted against a number of demographic variables (https://fingertips.phe.org.uk) and analysed using regression analysis. Survey response rate: 86% of CCGs (n = 169). Of those CCGs who responded, 39% (n = 66) did not hold IS cost data. NHS England spent £2 951 348.16 for IS services for the year 2017-2018. A positive correlation was noted with increased cost of interpreting services when plotted against increasing percentage BME or percentage birth to non-UK parents. However, there were wide variations around correlation of best fit indicating variation in spending between CCGs for similar populations. Inter CCG variation in correlations between demographic variables and expenditure suggests further research is needed to determine how to optimise and resource safe and equitable IS across the UK population.