Abstract
BackgroundGlobal migration trends have led to a more diverse population in health care services everywhere, which in turn has set off a paradigm shift away from medical paternalism toward more patient autonomy. Consequently, physicians need to provide a more precise patient-centred healthcare. Professional interpreting appears to play a crucial part in tackling the challenges of language barriers adequately. The aim of this study was to conduct process evaluation through the implementing of video remote interpreting (VR) and telephone remote interpreting (TR) within primary care facilities in the northern German metropolis of Hamburg.MethodsWe conducted a three-armed exploratory pilot trial, which compared VR to TR and to a control group (CG) in different primary care settings. We assessed feasibility of implementation, as well as the acceptance of interpreting tools among their users. In addition, we compared the quality of communication as perceived by patients and physicians, as well as the enabling of patient-centred medicine over all three study groups using quantitative questionnaires.Results13 practices (7 GPs, 3 Gynaecologists, 3 Paediatricians) took part in this trial. 183 interpreting calls were documented, 178 physicians as well as 127 patients answered their respective questionnaires. The implementation of the VR- und TR-tools went smoothly and they were broadly accepted by their users. However, the tools were used significantly less often than we had anticipated. With regards to quantitative questionnaires, VR scored significantly better than the control group in terms of the perceived quality of communication by both, patients and physicians and enabled of patient-centred medicine.ConclusionOur main findings were the discrepancy between the assumed high demand of professional interpreting solutions on the one hand and the low willingness of practices to participate on the other. The rather low utilisation rates were also noteworthy. This discrepancy indicates a lack of awareness concerning the adverse effects of using informal or no interpreter in medical settings, which needs to be rectified. Due to the small sample size, all statistical results must be viewed with caution. However, our results show that remote interpreting represents a promising approach to tackling language barriers in primary care settings.
Highlights
Global migration trends have led to a more diverse population in health care services everywhere, which in turn has set off a paradigm shift away from medical paternalism toward more patient autonomy
Our exploratory pilot study highlights the discrepancy between the assumed high demand of professional interpreting solutions and the difficulties we experienced during the practice recruitment process
The fact that out of all the practices that were contacted during the recruitment process (593 in total), only the thirteen practices listed in Table 1 agreed to participate may have led to a selection bias among our study participants, meaning we included mainly healthcare professionals who were more strongly affected or confronted with language barriers
Summary
Global migration trends have led to a more diverse population in health care services everywhere, which in turn has set off a paradigm shift away from medical paternalism toward more patient autonomy. Physicians need to provide a more precise patient-centred healthcare. Over the course of the past decades, two major developments in western medicine are notable: mass migration on a global scale and a simultaneous shift towards individualised patient-centred medicine. Global migration has increased during this period resulting in more diverse populations than ever before. Schouten et al identify the second development as “a paradigm shift away from medical paternalism toward more patient autonomy” Patient centred medicine has shown to provide better health outcomes and improve patient satisfaction [3, 4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
