Die stille Hürde überwinden – Effektiv und kompetent mit Dolmetschenden zusammenarbeiten

In pediatrics effective communication plays a crucial role in the comprehensive and appropriate care of children and adolescents. However, language barriers between medical staff, parents and patients pose a significant challenge. Among people with a migration background (26% in 2021) German language skills vary considerably, making language barriers a daily reality in the medical context. Language barriers can have serious consequences, such as incorrect medical history taking, limited communication with patients, barriers to informed consent, impaired adherence and increased risk of errors. Therefore, overcoming language barriers through interpreters is crucial in pediatric healthcare. Various options are used for language mediation, including family members, clinical staff, paid interpreters and translation apps. Each has advantages and disadvantages, with trained and paid interpreters being the preferred option due to their linguistic competence and neutrality. Collaboration between doctors and interpreters is challenging as it involves medical complexity, emotional stress, time pressure and a complex triangular relationship. A clear division of roles, transparency and a professional attitude are crucial. However, the framework conditions for funding interpreting services are inconsistent, which creates additional challenges. Overall, successfully overcoming these challenges requires well-coordinated, respectful and transparent collaboration between doctors and interpreters to ensure that patients’ needs can be effectively met.