Table 1 Evaluation of the use of Aboriginal Interpreters according to the Structure, Process, Outcome model
FACTOR IMPACTING ON INTERPRETER UPTAKE | STRUCTURE | PROCESS | OUTCOME | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Description | Data source | Description | Data source | Description | Data source | |
Service set-up | -Hospital and interpreter services are in separate locations and have different governance | -Key stakeholder discussions | -Interpreter booking procedure can be complex -Coordination of health provider activities around interpreter availability is difficult | -Staff survey -Staff survey | -Few interpreter bookings were made -21.2% of bookings were not fulfilled. | -AIS database -AIS database |
Tools and training | -Cultural competency training is mandatory | -Key stakeholder discussions | -Training provided during orientation is brief. Not all staff receive the training | -Staff survey | -29.7% of staff were not satisfied with the cultural competence training received | -Staff survey |
-A tool to determine who needs an Aboriginal interpreter exists | -Key stakeholder discussions | -Awareness of the tool among healthcare providers is very low | -Staff survey | -31.6% of staff lacked confidence in determining who requires an interpreter | -Staff survey | |
Documentation | -Language is meant to be documented in a nursing admission form | -Key stakeholder discussions | -There is poor documentation and a lack of familiarity among healthcare providers with Aboriginal language names | -Medical file audit | -Aboriginal language was documented for only 12.6% of patients audited | -Medical file audit |
Use of unofficial interpreters | -Hospital policy discourages the use of unofficial interpreters (e.g. ‘escorts’ or family members) | -Key stakeholder discussions | -Ease of access to unofficial compared with trained interpreters means unofficial interpreters are commonly used | -Staff survey | -44.3% of staff reported that they often use an unofficial interpreter | -Staff survey |