Using telephone interpreters to communicate with patients

Nurs Times. 2008 Nov;104(46):28-9.

Abstract

Language barriers can affect patients' psychological and physical health. To meet these challenges, nurses need to implement strategies to promote accurate communication. This article discusses how health visitors sought to improve communication by using a telephone interpreter service. Its implementation and evaluation were part of an action research study. Fourteen health visitors took part and were interviewed before and after implementation. This article focuses on recommendations from the research, offering guidance on using such a service.

MeSH terms

  • Communication Barriers
  • Humans
  • Nurse-Patient Relations*
  • Telephone*
  • Translating*