Addressing the language barriers to inclusion in paediatric emergency medicine research.

This article explores the challenges of language barriers in pediatric emergency medicine research and the potential consequences of excluding individuals who require translation services. It emphasizes the impact on data collection, health outcomes, and the generalizability of study findings. The article also addresses the lack of documentation and data on language inclusivity in pediatric emergency medicine research, particularly in the UK. It discusses the unique difficulties faced by pediatric emergency departments in obtaining consent for research and the importance of quality control in translation services. The article suggests potential solutions, such as considering linguistic diversity during the planning stage and utilizing frameworks and guidelines provided by funding agencies. It advises against using readily available and free translation services like Google Translate due to the risk of errors and lack of confidentiality regulations. The Department of Health and Social Care also cautions against using family members for translation in clinical care, although in emergency settings, they may be more readily available and can provide cultural context for translation. Bilingual healthcare providers can also be helpful in translating for patients in emergency clinical situations, but they would require appropriate training in research consent. The document concludes that while existing guidance and resources are beneficial, more evidence is needed to shape best practices and develop accessible and sustainable strategies, frameworks, and resources. [Extracted from the article]