Research published in the New Zealand Medical Journal found Asian patients at Waikato Hospital with limited English proficiency were left without language support when consenting to surgery.
The analysis reviewed records of 540 Asian patients treated at Waikato Hospital in 2022 and 2023. Of the 173 patients classified as having limited English proficiency, 136 received interpreter services while 37 did not.
None of the 14 patients suspected of having English difficulty received an interpreter. Indian patients were less likely to receive interpreter support than other Asian patients.
The researchers said "this disparity may be influenced by factors such as lower recognition of language needs by clinicians, patient reluctance, cultural differences or systemic barriers in interpreter access".
Patients with limited English proficiency had an average age of 65.4, compared to 47.4 for English-proficient patients. The Asian population aged 65 and older is projected to grow from 72,900 in 2023 to 299,800 by 2048.
New Zealand's Code of Health & Disability Services Consumers' Rights gives patients the right to a competent interpreter when needed.
The researchers recommended "hospitals should implement policies mandating interpreter use for all patients with suspected as well as definite [limited English proficiency], reducing reliance on clinician discretion".