A qualitative study exploring clinicians’ experiences of the use of interpreters in mental health assessment

Findings emphasise the importance of interpreters in providing culturally relevant and meaningful information in clinical assessment, while also providing a reassuring presence for patients. However, our data also highlight the challenges associated with using interpreters in clinical assessment. For example, interpreters undermining a clinician's ability to control the clinical interview and eroding patient confidence that they can communicate confidentially, and without prejudice. Deficits exist in interpreter and clinician training, guidance, and regulation that warrant urgent action to ensure that language does not prevent adequate, appropriate, and timely recovery-oriented assessment in mental health services.