BMJ Open
Volume 5, Issue 9, 2015

Involving migrants in the development of guidelines for communication in cross-cultural general practice consultations: A participatory learning and action research project (Article) (Open Access)

O'Reilly-De Brún M. , MacFarlane A.* , De Brún T. , Okonkwo E. , Bokanga J.S.B. , De Almeida Silva M.M. , Ogbebor F. , Mierzejewska A. , Nnadi L. , Van Den Muijsenbergh M. , Van Weel-Baumgarten E. , Van Weel C.
  • a National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • b University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
  • c National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • d National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, Galway Migrant Service, Galway, Ireland
  • e National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • f National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland, Portuguese Association of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • g National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • h National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • i National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
  • j Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University, Netherlands
  • k Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University, Netherlands
  • l Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Radboud University, Netherlands, Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to involve migrants and other key stakeholders in a participatory dialogue to develop a guideline for enhancing communication in cross-cultural general practice consultations. In this paper, we focus on findings about the use of formal versus informal interpreters because dialogues about these issues emerged as central to the identification of recommendations for best practice. Design: This qualitative case study involved a Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) research methodology. Participants: The sample comprised 80 stakeholders: 51 from migrant communities; 15 general practitioners (GPS) and general practice staff; 7 established migrants as peer researchers; 5 formal, trained interpreters; and 2 service planners from the national health authority. Setting: Galway, Ireland. Results: There was 100% consensus across stakeholder groups that while informal interpreters have uses for migrants and general practice staff, they are not considered acceptable as best practice. There was also 100% consensus that formal interpreters who are trained and working as per a professional code of practice are acceptable as best practice. Conclusions: Policymakers and service planners need to work in partnership with service providers and migrants to progress the implementation of professional, trained interpreters as a routine way of working in general practice.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

general practice Communication Barriers scientist human communication disorder middle aged Practice Guidelines as Topic Aged general practitioner consensus development language procedures qualitative research Humans migrant Ireland human tissue consultation consensus male staff female standards translating (language) Translating human experiment migration adult Culturally Competent Care participatory research Community-Based Participatory Research transcultural care Transients and Migrants practice guideline Learning public health
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84956947479&doi=10.1136%2fbmjopen-2014-007092&partnerID=40&md5=c4f4eedbea1c05967a1fe619a610b041
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-007092
ISSN: 20446055
Cited by: 13
Original Language: English