Lowell, Anne

Jones, Yomei

Aitken, Robyn

Baker, Dikul R

Lovell, Judith

Togni, Samantha

Gon D Arra, Dianne

Sometimes, Beth

Smith, Margaret

Anderson, Julie

Sharp, Rachael

Karidakis, Maria

Quinlivan, Sarita

Truong, Mandy

Lawton, Paul

2024-04

Health services collect patient experience data to monitor, evaluate and improve services and subsequently health outcomes. Obtaining authentic patient experience information to inform improvements relies on the quality of data collection processes and the responsiveness of these processes to the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse populations. This study explores the challenges and considerations in collecting authentic patient experience information through survey methods with Australians who primarily speak First Nations languages. First Nations language experts, interpreters, health staff and researchers with expertise in intercultural communication engaged in an iterative process of critical review of two survey tools using qualitative methods. These included a collaborative process of repeated translation and back translation of survey items and collaborative analysis of video-recorded trial administration of surveys with languages experts (who were also receiving dialysis treatment) and survey administrators. All research activities were audio- or video-recorded, and data from all sources were translated, transcribed and inductively analysed to identify key elements influencing acceptability and relevance of both survey process and items as well as translatability. Serious challenges in achieving equivalence of meaning between English and translated versions of survey items were pervasive. Translatability of original survey items was extensively compromised by the use of metaphors specific to the cultural context within which surveys were developed, English words that are familiar but used with different meaning, English terms with no equivalent in First Nations languages and grammatical discordance between languages. Discordance between survey methods and First Nations cultural protocols and preferences for seeking and sharing information was also important: the lack of opportunity to share the 'full story', discomfort with direct questions and communication protocols that preclude negative or critical responses constrained the authenticity of the information obtained through survey methods. These limitations have serious implications for the quality of information collected and result in frustration and distress for those engaging with the survey. Profound implications for the acceptability of a survey tool as well as data quality arise from differences between First Nations cultural and communication contexts and the cultural context within which survey methods have evolved. When data collection processes are not linguistically and culturally congruent there is a risk that patient experience data are inaccurate, miss what is important to First Nations patients and have limited utility for informing relevant healthcare improvement. Engagement of First Nations cultural and language experts is essential in all stages of development, implementation and evaluation of culturally safe and effective approaches to support speakers of First Nations languages to share their experiences of health care and influence change.

Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Dr, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia.

Royal Darwin Hospital, PO Box 41096, Rocklands Dr, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.

Flinders University, Rocklands Rd, Tiwi, NT 0810, Australia.

Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Dr, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia.

Present address: Self Employed, 7 Howley Cres., Anula, NT 0812, Australia.

Charles Darwin University, Central Australian Campus, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia.

Present address: Batchelor Institute, Central Australian Campus, 475 Stuart Hwy, Alice Springs, NT 0873, Australia.

S2 Consulting, PO Box 137, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia.

Self Employed, 2/116 Gukuda St, Galiwin'ku, NT 0822, Australia.

Self Employed, 12 Giles St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia.

Self Employed, 3 Wilkinson St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia.

Self Employed, 3 Wilkinson St, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia.

Department of Health, Health House, PO Box 41326, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.

Present address: Top End Mental Health Service, RDH Campus, Nightingale Rd, GPO Box 140, Parap, NT 0804, Australia.

School of Languages and Linguistics, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.

The Purple House (Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation), PO Box 5060, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia.

Present address: Warlukurlangu Artists, Ral Ral Ave, Yuendumu, NT 0872, Australia.

Menzies School of Health Research, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.

Present address: Monash Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3800, Australia.

Menzies School of Health Research, PO Box 41096, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia.

Present address: The Central Clinical School, Monash University, The Alfred Centre, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia.

Lowell A, Jones Y, Aitken R, Baker DR, Lovell J, Togni S, Gon D Arra D, Sometimes B, Smith M, Anderson J, Sharp R, Karidakis M, Quinlivan S, Truong M, Lawton P. Why surveys are 'very hard': exploring challenges and insights for collection of authentic patient experience information with speakers of Australian First Nations languages. Rural Remote Health. 2024 Apr;24(2):8380. doi: 10.22605/RRH8380. Epub 2024 Apr 17. PMID: 38632667.

1445-6354

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38632667/?otool=iaurydwlib

https://hdl.handle.net/10137/13257

First Nations languages

Indigenous health care

intercultural communication

patient experience

survey methods

Australia

Humans

Australia

Communication

Patient Outcome Assessment

Surveys and Questionnaires

Translations

Why surveys are 'very hard': exploring challenges and insights for collection of authentic patient experience information with speakers of Australian First Nations languages.

Journal Article

Publication