Integrating Health Navigation and Interpreting Services for Patients with Limited English Proficiency

Abstract

Introduction Pacific people and other communities with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) face barriers to receiving good healthcare. Community health workers and health navigator roles have developed in recent years internationally and in New Zealand to address these barriers. Interpreters are also increasingly used to address language barriers. The interface between navigator and interpreter roles is explored in this study through the experiences and views of Pacific health navigators. Methods Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with managers and staff of two health organisations catering for Pacific people: a community-based Pacific Navigation Service and a hospital based Pacific Health Unit. Interviews and focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a framework approach. Findings Participants identified a wide range of barriers to healthcare, and the various skills required in a navigator team. Navigators also perform a wide range of roles, something that can lead to difficulties in managing role boundaries. Overcoming language barriers is a major part of the navigator role, but their approach differs from that of professional interpreters. The concept of an explicitly combined navigator/interpreter role was supported, acknowledging the need for specific training in interpreting for navigators. Conclusion Pacific people working in health navigation roles (or similar) support in principle the idea of a combined health navigator/interpreter role, based on providing interpreter training to health navigators. Perceived benefits include greater role clarity if interpreting is an official part of the role, and greater continuity of care with a single person in both roles. A combined health navigator/interpreter role would be likely to lead to better health outcomes for Pacific people, and other cultural groups.