Frequency and effects of non-English consultations in New Zealand general practice.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the frequency of non-English languages used in general practice consultations and to explore the effects on practice for general practitioners (GPs).


METHODS
Randomly selected Auckland GPs were telephone-interviewed using standardised questions. Interview data were entered electronically in real time and audiotaped. Data were reviewed upon collection and analysed using constant comparison thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS (v12) software.


RESULTS
Eighty GPs were interviewed. Forty-two spoke one or more languages apart from English. Thirty-one different languages were spoken, 83% of which were used in patient consultation. Most GPs (73/80) experienced language difficulties in practice. Three broad issues arose: English language proficiency per se, accented English, and physical problems affecting speech. Four themes reflected the influence of language difficulties on the encounter: information sharing, process effects, cultural issues, and use of interpreters.


CONCLUSIONS
Non-English language consultations occur commonly within current Auckland general practice with associated issues of misunderstanding and interpretation difficulties. GPs are often called upon to use their own language skills, especially Asian and Pacific Island tongues. Non-English speaking encounters frequently require additional time. Patients with some English language proficiency may cause more anxiety than those with none. Non-professional interpreters may colour or alter patients' meaning and accurate translation is required rather than 'interpretation'.
Wearn
Andy
A
Department of General Practice & Primary Health Care, The University of Auckland, Auckland. a.wearn@auckland.ac.nz
Goodyear-Smith
Felicity
F
Everts
Hans
H
Huggard
Peter
P
D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations