This report outlines key findings about how Deaf Australians access interpreters, identifies barriers to effective use, and highlights recommendations aimed at improving access, service quality and overall patient experience in primary healthcare settings. The report includes associated resources for primary care providers.

Auslan is the language deaf or hard of hearing people use to communicate. An interpreter uses Auslan to support someone to communicate with another person. 

The review recommendations were informed by a scan of available Auslan interpreting service websites, review of peer-reviewed and grey literature, and consultation with representatives of the Deaf and health sectors and interpreting industry, as well as individual primary care providers, Auslan interpreters and Auslan users.

Recommendations

• Ensure primary care providers have access to the resources they need to work with Deaf patients and Auslan interpreters.
• Improve awareness of Deaf people’s cultural, healthcare and communication needs among primary care staff.
• Support primary care providers to establish inclusive communication policies and procedures.
• Support primary care providers to develop skills in working with Auslan interpreters.
• Enhance the capability of primary care providers to engage with interpreters remotely when required.
• Increase the overall supply of Auslan interpreters.
• Support Auslan interpreters to develop competencies to work effectively in healthcare settings.
• Facilitate alignment between Auslan interpreter competencies and the type of interpreting required.
• Establish a mechanism for independent, government-funded oversight of the interpreting industry.
• Provide Auslan users with free, uncapped interpreting in the primary care setting.
• Build health literacy in the Deaf community.
• Support Auslan users to understand and exercise their right to an interpreter.