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Wechsler JR, Tamasi S. Motivations of undergraduate student medical interpreters: Exposure and experience. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:444. [PMID: 38658919 PMCID: PMC11040973 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05417-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When patients do not speak the same language as their doctors, they face poorer medical outcomes, decreased doctor-patient trust, and a diminished desire to seek medical care. It has been well established that interpretation is an essential part of an accessible healthcare system, but effective use of such language services relies on both the interpreters themselves and the healthcare teams working with them. This study presents an interdisciplinary examination of the motivations of undergraduate student medical interpreters, a group which serves as a bridge between these roles. While not full-time interpreters, they receive official training and spend time serving patients in local clinics. Further, for those who aspire to careers in medicine, interpreting provides invaluable exposure to the medical field and early professional know-how. METHODS Semi-structured individual interviews with undergraduate student interpreters were conducted to describe this multifaceted educational experience. A thematic analysis framework was employed to understand how and why they volunteer their time to interpret. RESULTS Motivations of student interpreters were found to fall under three general categories: (1) personal identity, or connection to family, language, and their career aspirations; (2) community engagement, or the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients at an early stage; and (3) pre-professional experience, both in general and specifically in healthcare. Each of these contributes to the view of a student medical interpreter as a unique contributor to language equity in medicine, as they provide language services in the short-term as well as set themselves up to be linguistically and culturally competent providers in the long-term. CONCLUSIONS A greater understanding of student motivations adds to knowledge about language mediation and validates the utility of students in this role, encouraging the development of more student interpreter programs. Particularly in communities with high proportions of non-English speakers, these students can contribute to making medical care as inclusive and accessible as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Wechsler
- Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Lopez Vera A, Thomas K, Trinh C, Nausheen F. A Case Study of the Impact of Language Concordance on Patient Care, Satisfaction, and Comfort with Sharing Sensitive Information During Medical Care. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1261-1269. [PMID: 36840903 PMCID: PMC9959935 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Linguistic barriers continue to be a source of difficulty and inappropriate treatment in our healthcare system. Several studies have shown the importance of language concordance, which leads to increased trust and higher patient satisfaction. The aim of this is study is to determine patients' satisfaction and comfort levels with sharing sensitive information in Spanish with either the health care provider or an interpreter, respectively, and to compare the results to find out if there is an option that patients prefer. There were two different groups of participants in the study. The experimental group was directly seen by Spanish-speaking student doctors while the control group was seen by English-speaking student doctors that had the aid of an interpreter. Several questions were asked to participants via survey in order to measure their comfort levels during the encounter. The results of this study demonstrate that having Spanish-speaking healthcare providers providing health care to Hispanic patients can raise patients' comfort levels and satisfaction in contrast to having the aid of an interpreter. Providing second language training to student doctors can potentially improve patient care and reduce health inequities facing LEP patients. Given the small sample size of our study, future projects should expand the study to include more participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lopez Vera
- Department of Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA, USA.
| | - Kyle Thomas
- Department of Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA, USA
| | - Christina Trinh
- Department of Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA, USA
| | - Fauzia Nausheen
- Department of Medical Education, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA, USA
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Müller LRF, Herold ML, Unterhitzenberger J, Rosner R. Development and evaluation of a training program for interpreters in the field of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1148690. [PMID: 37637919 PMCID: PMC10450153 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1148690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The treatment of traumatized refugee minors is often challenging because of language barriers. International guidelines, therefore, recommend the use of language mediators. However, there is a scarcity of evaluated training programs that prepare language mediators to translate during psychotherapy developed specifically for this patient group, for instance trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Methods Based on an extensive literature review and in collaboration with an expert focus group, a one-day TF-CBT-specific online training program was developed for language mediators willing to work with minor refugees, and delivered on nine occasions between November 2020 and June 2021. The participants answered pre- and post-training questions about trauma- and TF-CBT-related knowledge and attitudes relevant to therapy, as well as the perceived usefulness of the training. Bayesian estimation was used to determine pre-post changes. Results A total of 129 participants speaking 35 different languages participated in the training program. Analyses revealed 95% highest density intervals not containing the null with respect to knowledge gain (effect size median 0.28) and change in treatment-appropriate attitudes (effect size median 0.31). The participants rated the training as useful. Conclusion The TF-CBT-specific training course was successfully carried out. It was likely to disseminate both knowledge gains and a shift toward more treatment-appropriate attitudes. It was perceived as useful by the participants. Given the scarcity of evaluated training programs for language mediators working with minor refugees, the results are promising. The limitations include the lack of both a control group and the verification of the results using an external outcome measure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monja Lucia Herold
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
| | - Johanna Unterhitzenberger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Children and Adolescents Inn-Salzach e.V., Altoetting, Germany
| | - Rita Rosner
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, Eichstätt, Germany
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Carlson ES, Barriga TM, Lobo D, Garcia G, Sanchez D, Fitz M. Overcoming the language barrier: a novel curriculum for training medical students as volunteer medical interpreters. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:27. [PMID: 35012526 PMCID: PMC8751325 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-03081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 41 million people in the United States speak Spanish as their primary language, of which 16 million have limited English proficiency (LEP). It is well-established that language barriers contribute to health disparities and that the use of ad-hoc interpretation by untrained family members results in substandard care. We developed a novel interpreter training program for medical students to serve as in-person interpreters at a charitable, resident continuity clinic so as to overcome the language barrier in the delivery of healthcare to LEP patients. METHODS The Medical Student Interpreter Training Program (MSITP) consists of three steps. First, fluent Spanish-speaking students shadowed a licensed interpreter. Second, students took a standardized phone exam to demonstrate language proficiency. Finally, students completed a three-hour training on the methodology and ethics of interpreting conducted by the Department of Interpreter Services. RESULTS Pre- and post-tests were administered to assess students' familiarity with the Interpreter Code of Ethics and interpreter skills. Familiarity with the Interpreter Code of Ethics increased significantly with all students reporting feeling comfortable (47%) or very comfortable (53%) after training. The pre- and post-tests included free response questions, which were administered to assess competence in the methodology and ethics of interpreting. The cohort's aggregate score increased by 35% after the training (Wilcoxon signed rank z-score = 2.53; p = .01). CONCLUSIONS Implementing the MSITP resulted in an increased number of trained, Spanish-speaking interpreters available to provide their services to LEP patients at an affiliated charitable clinic and throughout the university hospital. Unlike other program models which are time and resource-intensive, this program is replicable and easily managed by volunteers. The MSITP is an effective model for training students as medical interpreters to ensure the delivery of quality healthcare for LEP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S Carlson
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, 60153, USA.
| | - Tatiana M Barriga
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, 60153, USA
| | - Dale Lobo
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, 60153, USA
| | - Guadalupe Garcia
- Department of Interpreter Services, Loyola University Medical Center, Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, MacNeal Hospital, Maywood, 60153, USA
| | - Dayana Sanchez
- Department of Interpreter Services, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, 60153, USA
| | - Matthew Fitz
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, 60153, USA
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Zhang CX, Crawford E, Marshall J, Bernard A, Walker-Smith K. Developing interprofessional collaboration between clinicians, interpreters, and translators in healthcare settings: outcomes from face-to-face training. J Interprof Care 2020; 35:521-531. [PMID: 32693645 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2020.1786360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Interprofessional collaboration between clinicians, interpreters, and translators is crucial to providing care for consumers with limited English proficiency. Interprofessional training for these professions has been overlooked outside of the medical field. This study investigated whether face-to-face training for speech pathologists, interpreters, and translators improved their knowledge, confidence, practice, and attitudes to engage in interprofessional collaboration. It also examined whether single-profession training for speech pathologists can produce similar training outcomes when delivered to multiple healthcare professions. Thirty interpreters and translators (30 training), 49 speech pathologists (27 training, 22 control), and a mixed group of 24 clinicians from eight professions (16 training, 8 control) completed surveys before, after, and two months after their respective training event. Training outcomes were similar across cohorts. Knowledge and confidence improved and were maintained after two months. Attitudes toward interprofessional collaboration were positive despite perceptions of challenge, and this was largely unchanged after training. Intent to implement optimal practices after training was greater than self-reported practices two months later. While years of professional experience did not affect training outcomes for clinicians, knowledge improvement for interpreters was associated with having less professional experience. Findings highlight the need to reevaluate service planning, policy, and workforce development strategies alongside foundation level training to deliver effective interprofessional education for clinicians, interpreters, and translators in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Xiaochi Zhang
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emma Crawford
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jeanne Marshall
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia.,School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anne Bernard
- Queensland Facility for Advanced Bioinformatics, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katie Walker-Smith
- Speech Pathology Department, Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
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Vargas Pelaez AF, Ramirez SI, Valdes Sanchez C, Piedra Abusharar S, Romeu JC, Carmichael C, Bascoy S, Baron R, Pichardo-Lowden A, Albarracin N, Jones CC, Silveyra P. Implementing a medical student interpreter training program as a strategy to developing humanism. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:141. [PMID: 29914460 PMCID: PMC6006684 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humanistic care in medicine has shown to improve healthcare outcomes. Language barriers are a significant obstacle to humanistic care, and trained medical interpreters have demonstrated to effectively bridge the gap for the vulnerable limited English proficiency (LEP) patient population. One way in which medical schools can train more humanistic physicians and provide language access is through the implementation of programs to train bilingual medical students as medical interpreters. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate whether such training had an impact on bilingual medical student's interpretation skills and humanistic traits. METHODS Between 2015 and 2017, whole-day (~ 8 h) workshops on medical interpretation were offered periodically to 80 bilingual medical students at the Penn State College of Medicine. Students completed a series of questionnaires before and after the training that assessed the program's effectiveness and its overall impact on interpretation skills and humanistic traits. Students also had the opportunity to become certified medical interpreters. RESULTS The 80 student participants were first- to third- year medical students representing 21 languages. Following training, most students felt more confident interpreting (98%) and more empathetic towards LEP patients (87.5%). Students' scores in the multiple-choice questions about medical interpretation/role of the interpreter were also significantly improved (Chi-Square test, p < 0.05). All students who decided to take the exam were able to successfully become certified interpreters. Ninety-two percent of participants reported they would recommend the program and would be willing to serve as a future "coaches" for interpreter training workshops delivered to peer students. CONCLUSIONS Our program was successful in increasing self-reported measures of empathy and humanism in medical students. Our data suggests that implementation of medical interpreter training programs can be a successful strategy to develop of humanism in medical students, and aid in the development of sustainable language access for LEP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah I. Ramirez
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA
| | | | | | - Jose C. Romeu
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA
| | | | | | - Rose Baron
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA USA
| | | | | | | | - Patricia Silveyra
- Departments of Pediatrics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H085, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
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Teunissen E, Gravenhorst K, Dowrick C, Van Weel-Baumgarten E, Van den Driessen Mareeuw F, de Brún T, Burns N, Lionis C, Mair FS, O'Donnell C, O'Reilly-de Brún M, Papadakaki M, Saridaki A, Spiegel W, Van Weel C, Van den Muijsenbergh M, MacFarlane A. Implementing guidelines and training initiatives to improve cross-cultural communication in primary care consultations: a qualitative participatory European study. Int J Equity Health 2017; 16:32. [PMID: 28222736 PMCID: PMC5320766 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cross-cultural communication in primary care is often difficult, leading to unsatisfactory, substandard care. Supportive evidence-based guidelines and training initiatives (G/TIs) exist to enhance cross cultural communication but their use in practice is sporadic. The objective of this paper is to elucidate how migrants and other stakeholders can adapt, introduce and evaluate such G/TIs in daily clinical practice. Methods We undertook linked qualitative case studies to implement G/TIs focused on enhancing cross cultural communication in primary care, in five European countries. We combined Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as an analytical framework, with Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) as the research method to engage migrants, primary healthcare providers and other stakeholders. Across all five sites, 66 stakeholders participated in 62 PLA-style focus groups over a 19 month period, and took part in activities to adapt, introduce, and evaluate the G/TIs. Data, including transcripts of group meetings and researchers’ fieldwork reports, were coded and thematically analysed by each team using NPT. Results In all settings, engaging migrants and other stakeholders was challenging but feasible. Stakeholders made significant adaptations to the G/TIs to fit their local context, for example, changing the focus of a G/TI from palliative care to mental health; or altering the target audience from General Practitioners (GPs) to the wider multidisciplinary team. They also progressed plans to deliver them in routine practice, for example liaising with GP practices regarding timing and location of training sessions and to evaluate their impact. All stakeholders reported benefits of the implemented G/TIs in daily practice. Training primary care teams (clinicians and administrators) resulted in a more tolerant attitude and more effective communication, with better focus on migrants’ needs. Implementation of interpreter services was difficult mainly because of financial and other resource constraints. However, when used, migrants were more likely to trust the GP’s diagnoses and GPs reported a clearer understanding of migrants’ symptoms. Conclusions Migrants, primary care providers and other key stakeholders can work effectively together to adapt and implement G/TIs to improve communication in cross-cultural consultations, and enhance understanding and trust between GPs and migrant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Teunissen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, NIjmegen, the Netherlands
| | - K Gravenhorst
- Department of Psychological Sciences, B121 Waterhouse Buildings University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - C Dowrick
- Department of Psychological Sciences, B121 Waterhouse Buildings University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - E Van Weel-Baumgarten
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, NIjmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - T de Brún
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University ofIreland, Galway, Ireland
| | - N Burns
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK and General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, College of MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - C Lionis
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Crete, Greece
| | - F S Mair
- General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - C O'Donnell
- General Practice & Primary Care, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - M O'Reilly-de Brún
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Medicine, National University ofIreland, Galway, Ireland
| | - M Papadakaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Crete, Greece.,Department of Social Work, School of Health and Social Welfare Technological Educational Institute of Crete Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - A Saridaki
- Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Crete, Greece
| | - W Spiegel
- Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/1st floor, A-1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Van Weel
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M Van den Muijsenbergh
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Pharos, Centre of Expertise for Health Disparities, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - A MacFarlane
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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Jakič M, Rotar Pavlič D. Patients' perception of differences in general practitioners' attitudes toward immigrants compared to the general population: Qualicopc Slovenia. Zdr Varst 2016; 55:155-165. [PMID: 27703534 PMCID: PMC5031064 DOI: 10.1515/sjph-2016-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, the number of immigrants is rising every year, so that the number of immigrants worldwide is estimated at 200 million. In Slovenia, immigrants comprise 6.5% of the overall population. Immigrants bring along to a foreign country their cultural differences and these differences can affect immigrants' overall health status and lead to chronic health conditions. The aim of this study was to identify patients' perception of general practitioners' (GPs') attitudes toward immigrants in Slovenia. METHODS This study was based on the Qualicopc questionnaire. We used the questions that targeted patients' experience with the appointment at their GP on the day that the study was carried out. RESULTS There were no differences in GPs' accessibility based on groups included in our study (p>0.05). Compared to the non-immigrant population, first-generation immigrants answered that their GPs were impolite (p=0.018) and that they did not take enough time for them (p=0.038). In addition, they also experienced more difficulties understanding their GP's instructions (p<0.001). Second-generation immigrants experienced more negative behaviour from GPs, and first-generation immigrants had more difficulties understanding GPs' instructions. CONCLUSION There may be some differences in patients' perception of GPs' attitudes towards immigrants in comparison with the general Slovenian population. However, based on the perception of the immigrants that do benefit from the medical care it is not possible to judge the GPs' attitudes towards immigrants as worse compared to their attitude towards the non-immigrant population. Indeed, there may be other reasons why the patients answered the way they did.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Jakič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Familiy Medicine, Poljanski nasip 58, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Danica Rotar Pavlič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Familiy Medicine, Poljanski nasip 58, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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