ArticleBMC health services research2019
The migration-related language barrier and professional interpreter use in primary health care in Switzerland.
Article in BMC health services research, 2019. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 38 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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Who cites it
38 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- What are the functionalities and features of mobile health record apps supporting persons experiencing social exclusion? A systematic literature review.Frontiers in digital health · 2025Pooled it
- Defining the determinants of vaccine uptake and undervaccination in migrant populations in Europe to improve routine and COVID-19 vaccine uptake: a systematic review.The Lancet. Infectious diseases · 2022Pooled it
- Response to language barriers with patients from refugee background in general practice in Australia: findings from the OPTIMISE study.BMC health services research · 2021Trial
- "Do not leave me behind and do not put me in your box": family-planning access and care needs among women with migration histories in Berlin, Germany-a mixed-methods study.Reproductive health · 2026Article
- Multivariable regression modelling of structural, intermediary and demographic determinants of health literacy: evidence from unaccompanied migrants and statelessness-prone individuals in Ghana.Journal of health, population, and nutrition · 2026Article
- Organisational health literacy in healthcare in Europe: a content analysis to explore stakeholders perspectives for supporting the adoption of effective strategies and interventions.Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique · 2026Article
- Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Care of Women and Girls With FGM/C - A Survey of Health Workers at Swiss University Hospitals.Journal of immigrant and minority health · 2026Article
- Culturally and linguistically diverse patients in an Italian memory clinic: lessons learned from the ImmiDem project.Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology · 2026Observational
- Upholding the right to health of forcibly displaced children in Europe.Public health in practice (Oxford, England) · 2025Article
- A qualitative study exploring the use of interpreters in a healthcare setting for children and young people seeking asylum and refugees.BMC health services research · 2025Article
- Managing consultation duration in primary care: A systematic review with health equity insights.Journal of family medicine and primary care · 2025Review
- Bridging cultural and linguistic barriers: South Asian minority women's experiences of radiotherapy for cervical cancer in Norway.Technical innovations & patient support in radiation oncology · 2025Article
- Communication practices with patients using a language other than French: a cross-sectional survey in a university hospital in France.International journal for equity in health · 2025Article
- Prohibiting Babel-A call for professional remote interpreting services in pre-operation anaesthesia information.PloS one · 2025Article
- Implementation of national recommendations for the care of Ukrainian refugee children in Switzerland: a survey of primary care pediatricians.Frontiers in public health · 2025Article
- Migration Challenges and Their Impact on the Primary Healthcare System-A Qualitative Research.Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024Article
- Lost in Translation: Impact of Language Barriers and Facilitators on the Health Care of Asian Americans Living with HIV.Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities · 2024Article
- Uncovering multi-level mental healthcare barriers for migrants: a qualitative analysis across China, Germany, Netherlands, Romania, and South Africa.BMC public health · 2024Article
- Discriminatory, racist and xenophobic policies and practice against child refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in European health systems.The Lancet regional health. Europe · 2024Review
- A comparative study of English and Japanese ChatGPT responses to anaesthesia-related medical questions.BJA open · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundWith increased international migration, language barriers are likely becoming more relevant in primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the language barrier in paediatric and adult primary care, present its consequences, reveal how it is overcome, as well as highlight the use of and potential unmet needs for professional interpreters, using Switzerland as a case study.
methodsPrimary healthcare providers were invited nation-wide to participate in an online questionnaire on language barriers faced and interpreter use.
resultsMore than 90% of the 599 participants in this nation-wide cross-sectional study face relevant language barriers at least once a year, 30.0% even once a week. Using family members and friends for translations is reported as the most frequent resort for overcoming the language barrier (60.1% report it for more than 50% of encounters), followed by "using gestures" (32.0%) or just accepting the insufficient communication (22.9%). Minors interpret frequently (frequent use: 23.3%). Two thirds of physicians facing language barriers never have access to a professional interpreter, the majority (87.8%) though would appreciate their presence and approximately one quarter of these even see a cost-saving potential. Multiple consequences affecting quality of care in the absence of professional interpreters are identified.
conclusionLanguage barriers are relevant in primary care. Improved access to professional interpreters is warranted.
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.