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Background: Language barriers in healthcare can negatively affect communication, patient safety, and treatment outcomes. For physiotherapists in primary care, where communication is central to rehabilitation, the use of interpreters can present both opportunities and challenges.

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore physiotherapists experiences of collaborating with interpreters in primary care.

Method: The study used a qualitative design with an inductive approach. Data were collected through ten semi-structured interviews with physiotherapists experienced in working with interpreters. The material was transcribed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Result: Three main categories were identified: the role and professionalism of the interpreter, conditions and challenges of different interpreting methods, and communication. Participants emphasized that interpreters with professionalism and competence are crucial for the quality of the encounter. The choice between on-site and telephone interpreting mainly affected the flow of the conversation and patient comfort. Communication was challenged by language limitations, cultural differences, and time constraints.

Conclusion: Physiotherapists experiences of collaborating with interpreters in primary care are influenced by several factors. Professional interpreters are preferred over ad hoc interpreters to ensure neutrality. On-site interpreters facilitate practical tasks, while telephone interpreters can enhance anonymity. Patients’ ability to make behavioral changes is affected by the support of both the physiotherapist and the interpreter, as well as individual factors such as self-efficacy and outcome expectations. Effective interpreter collaboration may be important for patient engagement and rehabilitation success.

Keywords: Physiotherapy, primary care, language barriers, healthcare interpreting