In this section
Browse through all publications from the Institute of Global Health Innovation, which our Patient Safety Research Collaboration is part of. This feed includes reports and research papers from our Centre.
@article{Odedra:2026,
author = {Odedra, R and Mayer, E},
journal = {Emergency Medicine Journal},
title = {Understanding how language barriers in the paediatric emergency care setting influences safety of care delivery: a scoping review},
year = {2026}
}
TY - JOUR
AB - Background: Communication in a family’s primary language can support safe care. Vital steps within the care delivery process are contingent upon successful communication, including reporting symptoms, clinical decision-making, informed consent, discharge communication, and follow-up coordination. The importance of effective information exchange is particularly pronounced in paediatric emergency care, and complex interactions may arise as parents or carers advocate on behalf of children. This scoping review aimed to identify and map existing research indicating where along the care journey communication-related risks for safety lie during paediatric emergency care and what strategies exist to mitigate them. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies which examined the influence of language barriers on patient safety in paediatric emergency care, as well as studies that evaluated interventions. Bibliographic database searches were executed on 18/12/2024; retrieved records were independently screened by two authors at title and abstract level followed by full text level. Data on study objectives, population characteristics, study design, and their key findings were extracted. Results: 1578 articles were identified, of which 33 were included and mapped according to (i) studies reporting safety risks linked to language barriers in paediatric emergency care (n = 24) and (ii) existing interventions designed to mitigate these risks (n = 9). Studies highlighted that language barriers can influence safety at multiple stages of the emergency care pathway, with discharge most frequently reported as a point of risk for paediatric patient safety. Interventions focused primarily on usage, uptake, and documentation of professional interpreter services.Conclusion: Addressing misunderstandings around follow-up and home-care advice during medical safety netting are priority areas for intervention. Future research should
AU - Odedra,R
AU - Mayer,E
PY - 2026///
SN - 1472-0205
TI - Understanding how language barriers in the paediatric emergency care setting influences safety of care delivery: a scoping review
T2 - Emergency Medicine Journal
ER -
