Cultural Issues for Ethnic Minority Muslim Patients in Medical Interpretation

This thesis addresses the issue of cultural gaps in medical interpretation for ethnic minority patients in the UK. The study considers the various roles of the interpreter in health care (HC) settings. It aims to explore the advocate role of the interpreter. It also looks at the significant role of the interpreter's visibility to highlight and interpret some cultural concerns which may impact the patient's health and HC quality. Interpreters are the bridge of language communication. The research engages with Muslim patients and discusses their concerns when receiving treatment from HCPs. The research also involves HCPs who do not share the same cultural backgrounds as their patients. The thesis addresses issues related to Muslim patients' experiences in HC. It highlights differences in religious and cultural backgrounds and how they may impact LEPs' adherence to medical treatment and appointments. The thesis discusses specific experiences of both HCPs and HCUs, using these to shed light on some issues related to cultural difference and the interpreter's role in resolving miscommunication between the HCP and the HCU. This thesis finishes by discussing possible future research directions.