An evaluation of uptake and experience of a pilot interpreting service in general practice in the HSE Eastern Region

Migration brings a diversity of cultures and languages to host countries. This poses specific challenges for host healthcare systems. The fact that healthcare providers and migrant service users often struggle with a language barrier is a specific challenge that can interfere with information sharing and processes of care. Responding to this, international contemporary health policies recommend the use of professional, paid interpreting to address language barriers rather than informal interpreting involving bilingual health workers or people from service users’ social networks, for instance family members or friends (Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, 2001; Department of Health, 2004).