Aims and Objectives English language skill is an indicator of health status in the UK. Evidence suggests that people requiring translation services are often excluded from research, therefore contributing to already existing health inequalities within the country.

Data on the exclusion of people requiring translation services in paediatric emergency medicine (PEM) research is scarce. This review aims to gain insight on whether people requiring translation services are being excluded from PEM research, and to explore the barriers to inclusion faced by researchers.

Method and Design Structured review of PEM studies published in three major journals between 2016-2021. Journals reviewed were Archives of Disease in Childhood, BMJ Emergency Medicine, and the Lancet Adolescent and Child Health; as well as published studies by the Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland (PERUKI) Network. Studies were included if they were carried out in a PEM setting and required consent from participants. An electronic survey was then sent to corresponding authors of the included studies.

Descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were used to provide information about variables. Free text survey responses were reviewed for common themes.

Results and Conclusion 1687 articles were found initially; 18 met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies (44.4%) reported exclusion of people requiring translation services. Nine studies (50%) made no mention of whether people requiring translation services were included or excluded in the study. 11 out of 18 survey responses were received. The key themes to exclusionary practice identified were oversight, access to adequate translation services (including cost implications), and lack of guidance.

English language proficiency was reported to be a reason for exclusion from participation in PEM research. Various challenges to inclusive practice regarding language in PEM research were identified. These challenges require further exploration to inform the development of guidance and strategies; ultimately leading to better inclusion of people requiring translation services in PEM research.

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