Family Practice Advance Access originally published online on August 27, 2009
Family Practice 2009 26(5):377-383; doi:10.1093/fampra/cmp052
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A description of some aspects of the triangular meeting between immigrant patients, their interpreters and GPs in primary health care in Stockholm, Sweden
a CeFAM/Center for Family and Community Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
b Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Sweden and Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
Correspondence to Eivor Wiking, CeFAM/Center for Family and Community Medicine, Department of Neurobiology, Caring Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels allé 12, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden; E-mail: eivorwiking{at}swipnet.se
Received 10 September 2008; Revised 7 June 2009; Accepted 3 August 2009.
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Abstract |
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Background. Little is known about what immigrant patients, interpreters and GPs who have participated in the same consultation experience during these consultations or their reflections about these experiences. Previous studies have focused on the patient's, the interpreter's or the GP's perspective or a combination of two perspectives.
Objectives. The first aim was to describe some aspects of each of the three perspectives in the triangular meeting between immigrant patients, interpreters and GPs, including their experiences, reflections and interactions during the consultation in primary health care. The second aim was to analyse patients’ satisfaction with the consultation; whether satisfaction is influenced by respect for patients’ culture, personality and wishes; and whether interpreters or GPs experience any ethical conflicts during the consultation.
Methods. Using questionnaires, all three categories were asked about their opinions regarding the communication, their experiences and reflections during the consultation and the patient's satisfaction. The interpreters and GPs were asked about ethical conflicts.
Results. Of the 182 respondents, 52 were patients, 65 GPs and 65 interpreters. A matched group of answers from patients, GPs and interpreters was present in 40 consultations. Eighteen of the patients experienced language difficulties. Twenty-six experienced respect for their culture; 32, respect for their personality; and 33, respect for their wishes. Ethical conflicts were rare. All three categories reported that the majority of patients were satisfied with the consultation.
Conclusions. Professional interpreters are important for both a correct verbal and a cultural interpretation. Patient-centred communication is of key importance to a successful consultation.
Keywords. GPs, immigrant patients, patient-centred communication, professional interpreters, triangular meeting.
Wiking E, Saleh-Stattin N, Johansson S-E and Sundquist J. A description of some aspects of the triangular meeting between immigrant patients, their interpreters and GPs in primary health care in Stockholm, Sweden. Family Practice 2009; 26: 377–383.