Interpreter provision and hospital-associated outcomes within the limited English proficiency population : analysis of administrative data

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience longer hospital length of stay (LOS) and higher readmission rates compared with the English-speaking community. The impact of interpreter use on hospital outcomes, within the LEP population, is largely unknown. Reported barriers to interpreter use include practitioners’ time constraints, complexity of the interpreter booking system, and convenient access to informal interpreters. In this culturally diverse region in Sydney, Australia, booking the free-of-charge interpreter service requires 3-weeks’ advance notice although a 24-h emergency telephone service is available. The use of informal interpreters is considered a breach of policy. Criticism for low interpreter utilisation appears to be directed towards practitioners. To encourage compliance with policy; work-time and access issues need to be addressed. A realtime electronic interpreter booking and confirmation system may go some way to encourage service utilisation and increase efficiency.