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GOTHEBURG UNIVERSITY
Nabi Fatahi
Fil.Mag, Med Lic. Med.dr
The Sahlgrenska Academy
at Gothenburg University
Department of Radiology and
Department of Primary Health Care
413 45 Gothenburg
Sweden.
Telefon 031-3428392
e-post. [email protected]
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Experiences of communication with non-Swedish speaking patients in
radiological examinations – as seen by radiographers
NABI FATAHI 1,2, SOVEIG LUNDGREN3 BENGT MATTSSON
2,MIKAEL HELLSTRÖM 1
1. Department
of Radiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, The
Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University,
2Department of Primary Health Care, The Sahlgrenska Academy at
Gothenburg University
3 Department of Caring Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy at
Gothenburg University, Sweden
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Aim
The aim of this study was to explore radiographers’ experiences of
examining patients who do not speak Swedish. Which are the
obstacles and how could barriers be overcome?
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Materials and Method
Three focus group interviews with experienced radiographers were carried
out. 11 radiographers, nine women and two men, participated in the group
interviews.
The interviews started with an open question: “Could you comment on
making radiological examinations on patients who do not understand
Swedish?” A content analysis was used for analysis and interpretation of
the data.
The interviews were complemented by a five-month period of registration of
patient and interpreters backgrounds data at all departments of radiology at
the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg.
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Result
The analysis of the interviews resulted in four main
categories:
Modes, needs, quality and improvements of interpreting
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Categories, subcategories and theme
Subcategories
Professional interpreter
Friend or relative as interpreter
Personnel as interpreter
Without interpreter
Categories
Modes of interpreting
Absolute necessary
Fairly necessary
Not necessary
Needs of interpreting
Interpreter’s quality
Time aspects
Cultural aspects
Quality of interpreting
Specific interpreter training
Scheduling of interpreter
Employment of interpreters
Education of radiographers
Theme
Improvement of interpreter
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
The interpreting setting
- a variety of sceneries
Modes of interpreting
Relative or friend as interpreter (adult)
43 (33%)
Relative or friend as interpreter (child)
8 (6%)
Professional interpreter
33 (25%)
Bilingual staffs as interpreter
14 (11%)
Contact without interpreter
33 (25%)
Friends and relatives, especially children, as interpreters were not considered ideal. Using bilingual personnel
as interpreter is a possibility, but often hampers workflow and is stressful for the staff
Total interactions (n=131)
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Needs of interpreting
• Absolute necessary
• Fairly necessary
• Not necessary
The need for interpreter in radiological examinations is strongly
associated with the type of the examination. For interventional
procedures and examinations with contrast medium professional
interpreter is warranted.
Nabi Fatahi 2008
Göteborg University
Quality of interpreting
Interpreter’s quality
Time aspects
Cultural aspects
The encounter between personnel and patient in the radiology department is
different from other clinical encounters. It may be very short, but nevertheless
stressful for the patient, because of anxiety and fear for the examination itself and its
result. At the same time the radiographer has to focus on the technical performance
and quality of the examination. The quality of the communication is therefore very
important, and poor language communication, shortage of time and more cultural
diversity adds to these difficulties.
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Improvement of interpreter
Specific interpreter training
Scheduling of interpreter
Employment of interpreters
Education of radiographers
The participating radiographers suggested improved education of
the interpreters, especially about cultural diversities, medical
terminology and methodology in radiology. Early identification of
the need of interpreter, preferably stated on the radiology request
form, and sufficient on-site time for the interpreters for the
radiological examinations was asked for. Employment by the health
care system of professional interpreters in the most frequent
foreign languages seems warranted. Finally, inter-cultural
communication skills and foreign cultural issues should be
emphasized in radiographers´ and other health care educational
programmes
Nabi Fatahi 2010
Göteborg University
Conclusion
The necessity for interpreter is strongly influenced by the type and complexity
of the radiological examination. who acts as interpreter has a strong influence
on the quality of communication.
Professional interpreters are preferred before relatives or employees as
interpreters. Time constraints and cultural diversities between interpreter and
patients were important factors that hampered communication outcome.
Specific interpreter education in medical terminology and radiology procedure
performance was asked for, as well as the need for the interpreter to remain at
the department throughout the whole radiological procedure.
Permanent employment of professional interpreters, rather than part-time
consulting interpreter service, was suggested as a way to improve the outcome
of the communication.
Nabi Fatahi 2008
Göteborg University