Language History Collection in Multilingual Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Public-Sector Clinical Perspectives
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| Title: | Language History Collection in Multilingual Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Public-Sector Clinical Perspectives |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kai Ian Leung (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders. 2026 61(1). |
| Availability: | Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Multilingualism, Public Sector, Physician Patient Relationship, Allied Health Personnel, Speech Language Pathology, Psychologists, Caseworkers, Social Work, Nurses, Children, Barriers, Native Language, Second Languages, Translation |
| Geographic Terms: | Canada |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70193 |
| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| Abstract: | Background: Clinicians increasingly work with multilingual paediatric clients across healthcare and community settings. Collecting detailed language background is a crucial first step in planning effective assessment and intervention. Yet, little is known about how this process unfolds in everyday public-sector clinical practice. To improve service quality, equity and effectiveness for multilingual children, this study investigates how clinicians gather, interpret and use language history information. It also as well, it examines the institutional and professional barriers and facilitators that shape this aspect of clinical practice. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 21 clinicians working in public-sector and community-based settings across Canada. Data was analysed using framework analysis, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: Clinicians universally recognized the value of language history and routinely embedded it within the broader case history. However, variability emerged in what information was gathered, how it was elicited, and how it was used, as shaped by clinician experience, institutional processes, documentation systems and availability of training and tools. Reliance on flexible, conversational strategies over research-developed tools reflected adaptive expertise but also risked inconsistencies in data quality, especially in the absence of formal guidance, structured tools or interpreter support. Conclusion: Language history collection is a complex, multidimensional task influenced by clinician initiative and systemic constraints. Strengthening practice will require tools that combine structured data collection frameworks with adaptable questioning approaches, clearer protocols across disciplines and institutional investments in interpreter services, training, and culturally informed workflows. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1495092 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Background: Clinicians increasingly work with multilingual paediatric clients across healthcare and community settings. Collecting detailed language background is a crucial first step in planning effective assessment and intervention. Yet, little is known about how this process unfolds in everyday public-sector clinical practice. To improve service quality, equity and effectiveness for multilingual children, this study investigates how clinicians gather, interpret and use language history information. It also as well, it examines the institutional and professional barriers and facilitators that shape this aspect of clinical practice. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 21 clinicians working in public-sector and community-based settings across Canada. Data was analysed using framework analysis, guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Results: Clinicians universally recognized the value of language history and routinely embedded it within the broader case history. However, variability emerged in what information was gathered, how it was elicited, and how it was used, as shaped by clinician experience, institutional processes, documentation systems and availability of training and tools. Reliance on flexible, conversational strategies over research-developed tools reflected adaptive expertise but also risked inconsistencies in data quality, especially in the absence of formal guidance, structured tools or interpreter support. Conclusion: Language history collection is a complex, multidimensional task influenced by clinician initiative and systemic constraints. Strengthening practice will require tools that combine structured data collection frameworks with adaptable questioning approaches, clearer protocols across disciplines and institutional investments in interpreter services, training, and culturally informed workflows. |
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| ISSN: | 1368-2822 1460-6984 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/1460-6984.70193 |
