Clinical consequences and the handling of language barriers in paediatric healthcare

Ugeskrift for Læger 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Zoha Shezadi Shaukat, Ida Nikoline Mandic, Hilde Hylland Uhlving, Kia Hee Schultz Dungu, Amar Ali Mousa, Marie Hauerslev, Alexandra Kruse, Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter
DOI: 10.61409/v07250558
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Language barriers between healthcare professionals and families are increasingly common in Denmark and pose a serious threat to the quality and safety of healthcare for children. This review examines how these barriers lead to poorer outcomes for children, including diagnostic uncertainty and increased risks of adverse events. Although the use of professional interpreters - an entitlement in Denmark - can mitigate these risks, interpreters remain consistently underused. Furthermore, the absence of certification or educational requirements for medical interpreters in Denmark may further hinder the effectiveness and reliability of interpretation services in paediatric healthcare.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Interpreting and Communication in Healthcare Patient Safety and Medication Errors Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare

Publication details

Journal / source
Ugeskrift for Læger
Volume
188
Issue
5
Pages
1–10
Publication date
26 January 2026
Language
DA