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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Interpreter-mediated diabetes consultations: a qualitative analysis of physician communication practices

Authors: Patricia Hudelson, Melissa Dominicé Dao, Noelle Junod Perron, Alexander Bischoff

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Patient-provider communication, in particular physicians’ ability to listen to their patients, and support them in making difficult lifestyle changes, is an essential component of effective diabetes care. Clinical communication around diabetes can be especially challenging when language barriers are present, and may contribute to poor diabetes management and outcomes. Clinicians need to be aware of and address potential communication difficulties associated with interpreter-mediated consultations. The purpose of our study was to explore how physicians communicate in interpreter-mediated consultations with diabetic patients, and how their communication behaviors may impact diabetes communication and care.

Method

We analyzed transcripts from 8 audio recorded, outpatient consultations at the Basel University Hospital general medicine outpatient clinic involving Turkish-speaking patients, German-speaking physicians, and Turkish-German interpreters (both community interpreters and family members).

Results

Clinicians used closed questions when asking about symptoms and glucose control. When providing information and explanation, they spoke in long and complex speech turns. They often directed their speech to interpreters or became sidetracked by family members’ questions or requests for information. Patients’ participation in the consultation was minimal, and limited to brief answers to clinicians’ questions.

Conclusions

Clinicians need to be aware of common pitfalls that diminish patient-centeredness during interpreter-mediated consultations, and learn strategies to avoid them. Attention to established guidelines on triadic communication is recommended, as is hands-on training with interpreters.
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Metadata
Title
Interpreter-mediated diabetes consultations: a qualitative analysis of physician communication practices
Authors
Patricia Hudelson
Melissa Dominicé Dao
Noelle Junod Perron
Alexander Bischoff
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-163

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