Using Family Members as Medical Interpreters: An Explanation of Healthcare Practitioners’ Normative Practices in Pediatric and Neonatal Departments in Australia

ABSTRACT

Both international tourism and migration of people with low English proficiency (LEP) to Australia are increasing. Thus, health-care practitioners (HPs) increasingly use interpreters to communicate with patients with LEP. Although qualified interpreters are the most suggested and policy-endorsed mechanism for communicating with patients with LEP, family members (FMIs) are also used as interpreters. This study investigated (a) when do health professionals consider it appropriate to use FMIs and (b) what characteristics of family members health professionals believe make them suitable to act as FMIs. As part of a larger project examining the decision-making processes of HPs regarding interpreter use, 69 HPs from neonatal and pediatric departments in one hospital in Queensland Australia were interviewed. Results indicated HPs thought the appropriateness of using FMIs depended on the type of information, such that it was either completely acceptable (e.g., explaining some basic or non-medical information) or completely unacceptable (e.g., confidential information or consent). However, in an emergency, when no other options were available, FMIs were used. The characteristics of suitable FMIs included age, level of English proficiency and medical understanding, and the relationship between patient and FMI. Results were to some extent consistent with Queensland government policies but there were notable differences, including using children and regarding FMIs as first preference. Improving HP’s knowledge of policies may increase their confidence in their practice and appropriate use of FMIs, thereby improving their care delivery to patients and families with LEP.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the students who assisted in this study’s data collection, transcription, and analysis including especially Bradley Saunders and Dora Abbondanza, as well as the health professionals who participated in this study.

Notes

1. The terms interpreter and translator were both used in interviews, as many health professionals use the terms interchangeably.