Missed Opportunities When Communicating With Limited English-Proficient Patients During End-of-Life Conversations: Insights From Spanish-Speaking and Chinese-Speaking Medical Interpreters

Interpreting Difficult Conversations-Evaluating How to Support Medical Interpreters in the Delivery of Serious News

Background: Despite their essential role in language concordant patient care, medical interpreters do not routinely receive training focused on difficult conversations and may not feel comfortable interpreting these encounters. Previous studies, while acknowledging the need for increased support, have provided limited strategies targeted at enhancing interpreter training and improving interpreter comfort levels in difficult conversations. Methods: Fifty-seven in-person medical interpreters providing services at our quaternary and community hospitals completed a 21-question mixed-methods survey regarding their comfort levels and experiences surrounding serious illness conversations. Results: Most medical interpreters reported being uncomfortable interpreting conversations surrounding difficult diagnosis, poor prognosis, and/or end-of-life. Nearly all respondents (98%) indicated that pre-meetings and/or debriefings with the medical team are helpful, yet only 25% reported frequent participation in these meetings. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the significant variability in medical interpreter training as well as ranging comfort levels in interpreting difficult conversations. Medical providers should not presume that interpreters are instantly prepared for these encounters. Current findings call for novel training opportunities specific to medical interpreters and difficult dialogues, as well as improved adherence of interprofessional pre-meeting/debriefings when serious news is discussed.

Assessing for differences in opioid administration during inpatient end-of-life care for patients with limited English proficiency

BACKGROUND

Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) may have worse health outcomes and differences in processes of care. Language status may particularly affect situations that depend on communication, such as symptom management or end-of-life (EOL) care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess whether opioid prescribing and administration differs by English proficiency (EP) status among hospitalized patients receiving EOL care.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study identified all adult patients receiving "comfort care" on the general medicine service from January 2013 to September 2021. We assessed for differences in the quantity of opioids administered (measured by oral morphine equivalents [OME]) by patient LEP status using multivariable linear regression, controlling for other patient and medical factors.

RESULTS

We identified 2652 patients receiving comfort care at our institution during the time period, of whom 1813 (68%) died during the hospitalization. There were no significant differences by LEP status in terms of mean OME per day (LEP received 30.8 fewer OME compared to EP, p = .91) or in the final 24 h before discharge (LEP received 61.7 more OME compared to EP, p = .80).

CONCLUSION

LEP was not associated with differences in the amount of opioids received for patients whose EOL management involved standardized order sets for symptom management at our hospital.

Exploring the Beliefs, Values, and Understanding of Quality End-of-Life Care in the Latino Community: A Spanish-Language Qualitative Study

Context: Hospice services are underutilized by the Latino community in the United States. Previous research has identified that language is a key barrier contributing to disparities. However, very few studies have been conducted in Spanish to specifically explore other barriers to hospice enrollment or values related to end-of-life (EOL) care in this community. Here, we remove the language barrier in order to gain an in-depth understanding of what members of the diverse Latino community in one state in the USA considers high quality EOL and barriers to hospice. Methods: This exploratory semi-structured individual interview study of Latino community members was conducted in Spanish. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Transcripts were analyzed by three researchers, using a grounded-theory approach to identify themes and sub-themes. Main Findings: Six major themes emerged: (1) concept of "a good death"-spiritual peace, family/community connection, no burdens left behind; (2) centrality of family; (3) lack of knowledge about hospice/palliative care; (4) Spanish language as critical; (5) communication style differences; and (6) necessity for cultural understanding. The central theme of "a good death" was closely linked to having the entire family physically and emotionally present. The four other themes represent interrelated, compounding barriers to achieving this "good death." Principal Conclusions: Healthcare providers and the Latino community can work together to decrease hospice utilization disparities by: actively involving family at every step; addressing misconceptions regarding hospice; conducting important conversations in Spanish; and improving provider skills in culturally sensitive care, including communication style.

Distressing Discussions in Pediatric Interpreted Medical Encounters: A Qualitative Study of Medical Interpreter Perspectives on Clinician Communication Practices

INTRODUCTION

This study explores pediatric medical interpreters' perspectives on clinician communication practices in medical encounters characterized by distressing content and difficult discussions.

METHOD

In this interpretative phenomenological analysis, 13 Spanish-English interpreters at a midwestern pediatric hospital were purposively recruited and, in 2021-2022, completed a demographic survey and semistructured interview on communication in distressing interpreted medical encounters.

RESULTS

Participants described clinician practices for effective cross-cultural interpreted communication. Practices align with recommendations on prebriefing, debriefing, jargon, stakeholder positioning, and teamwork. Novel findings relate to encounters with multiple parties, multilingual patients with monolingual parents, and coordination among clinicians.

DISCUSSION

Findings corroborate recommendations for interpreted communication best practices, extend them to distressing pediatric encounters, and offer recommendations for clinicians using interpreting services in distressing encounters. Participants' insights are distilled into a series of clinician best practices for high-quality interpreted communication during difficult discussions and for strengthening language access services in pediatric medical settings.

Using artificial intelligence to promote equitable care for inpatients with language barriers and complex medical needs: clinical stakeholder perspectives

OBJECTIVES

Inpatients with language barriers and complex medical needs suffer disparities in quality of care, safety, and health outcomes. Although in-person interpreters are particularly beneficial for these patients, they are underused. We plan to use machine learning predictive analytics to reliably identify patients with language barriers and complex medical needs to prioritize them for in-person interpreters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This qualitative study used stakeholder engagement through semi-structured interviews to understand the perceived risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in this domain. Stakeholders included clinicians, interpreters, and personnel involved in caring for these patients or for organizing interpreters. Data were coded and analyzed using NVIVO software.

RESULTS

We completed 49 interviews. Key perceived risks included concerns about transparency, accuracy, redundancy, privacy, perceived stigmatization among patients, alert fatigue, and supply-demand issues. Key perceived benefits included increased awareness of in-person interpreters, improved standard of care and prioritization for interpreter utilization; a streamlined process for accessing interpreters, empowered clinicians, and potential to overcome clinician bias.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study that elicits stakeholder perspectives on the use of AI with the goal of improved clinical care for patients with language barriers. Perceived benefits and risks related to the use of AI in this domain, overlapped with known hazards and values of AI but some benefits were unique for addressing challenges with providing interpreter services to patients with language barriers.

CONCLUSION

Artificial intelligence to identify and prioritize patients for interpreter services has the potential to improve standard of care and address healthcare disparities among patients with language barriers.

Perceptions and experiences of community-based healthcare professionals in the state of Qatar having do not attempt resuscitation discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction

The values and attitudes of healthcare professionals influence their handling of "do-not-attempt-resuscitation" (DNAR) orders, as does that of the families they interact with. The aim of this study was to describe attitudes, perceptions, and practices among community-based medical practitioners towards discussing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and DNAR orders with patients and their relatives, and to investigate if the COVID-19 pandemic affected their practice in having these discussions.

Methods

This is a researcher-developed online survey-based study which aimed to recruit a convenience sample of respondents from a total population of 106 healthcare professionals working for the Mobile Healthcare Service (MHS), Hamad Medical Corporation Ambulance Service in the State of Qatar.

Results

33 family physicians, 38 nurses, and 20 paramedics (n = 91) responded to the questionnaire, of who around 40, 8, and 50%, respectively, had engaged in Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions during their work with MHS. 15% of physicians who had experience with Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions in Qatar felt that the family or patient were not open to having such discussions. 90% of paramedics thought that Do Not Attempt Resuscitation was a taboo topic for their patients in Qatar, and this view was shared by 75% of physicians and 50% of nurses. Per the responses, the COVID-19 pandemic had not affected the likelihood of most of the physicians or nurses (and 50% of the paramedics) identifying patients with whom having a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussion would be clinically appropriate.

Discussion

Overall, for all three groups, the COVID-19 pandemic did not affect the likelihood of identifying patients with whom a Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussion would be clinically appropriate. We found that the greatest barriers in having Do Not Attempt Resuscitation discussions were perceived to be the religious or cultural beliefs of the patient and/or their family, along with the factor of feeling the staff member did not know the patient or their family well enough. All three groups said they would be more likely to have a conversation about Do Not Attempt Resuscitation if barriers were addressed.

The roles and experiences of medical interpreters in palliative care: A narrative review

OBJECTIVES

Skilled medical interpreters are essential to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive palliative care and addressing health-care disparities for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). While the benefits of utilizing medical interpreters are well documented, interpreter roles and experiences in palliative care are unique and poorly defined. This narrative review examines the extant literature on medical interpreters in palliative care to define their unique roles and describe their experiences and recommendations.

METHODS

A narrative literature review was completed through systematically searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and CINHAL. Title and abstract screening was completed, followed by full-text review.

RESULTS

Ten articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Medical interpreters play several roles in palliative care for patients with LEP including interpreting language and meaning, acting as a cultural broker, and advocating for patients and families. Medical interpreters report being comfortable interpreting palliative care discussions; however, they face challenges in navigating their complex roles and the emotional impact of palliative care encounters. Their recommendations to improved palliative care encounters involving medical interpreters are careful language choice, holding pre- and post-meetings, education for interpreters and health-care professionals, and further integrating the medical interpreter into the interprofessional team.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

Medical interpreters play several complex roles when participating in palliative care encounters for patients with LEP. Understanding these roles and the experiences allows medical interpreters to be better integrated into the interprofessional team and enhances the ability to provide quality, culturally sensitive palliative care for patients with LEP. Further research is required to understand how implementing the recommendations of medical interpreters impacts patient outcomes.

The role of acculturation in the process of advance care planning among Chinese immigrants: A narrative systematic review

BACKGROUND

Acculturation is the process of two different cultures coming into contact. It is unclear how acculturation influences Chinese immigrants' engagement in advance care planning due to the complexity and multifaceted nature of both acculturation and advance care planning.

AIMS

To synthesize evidence regarding the role of Chinese immigrants' acculturation in their engagement in advance care planning.

DESIGN

Systematic mixed-method review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021231822).

DATA SOURCES

EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for publications until January 21, 2021.

RESULTS

Twenty-one out of 1112 identified articles were included in the analysis. Of those 21 articles, 17 had a qualitative design and 13 originated from the United States. Three of four quantitative studies reported that higher acculturation levels were associated with better knowledge or higher rate of engagement in advance care planning. Analysis of qualitative studies showed that Chinese immigrants' engagement in advance care planning was associated with their: (1) self-perceived cultural identity (native or non-native); (2) interpretation of filial piety (traditional or modern); and (3) interpretation of autonomy (individual or familial). To facilitate their engagement, Chinese immigrants prefer an implicit approach, non-family-related initiators, contextualization advance care planning in Chinese culture and using Chinese language.

CONCLUSION

Chinese immigrants' willingness to engage in advance care planning varied with their acculturation level. To engage them in advance care planning, we recommend adapting the introduction of advance care planning to address people's perceptions of their cultural identity, filial piety, and autonomy, as well as their preference for certain approach, initiator, context, and language.

Cancer survivorship programs for patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds: a scoping review

PURPOSE

People of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds face disparities in cancer care. This scoping review aims to identify the breadth of international literature focused on cancer survivorship programs/interventions specific to CALD populations, and barriers and facilitators to program participation.

METHODS

Scoping review included studies focused on interventions for CALD cancer survivors after curative-intent treatment. Electronic databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus were searched, for original research articles from database inception to April 2022.

RESULTS

710 references were screened with 26 included: 14 randomized (54%), 6 mixed-method (23%), 4 non-randomized experimental (15%), 2 qualitative studies (8%). Most were United States-based (85%), in breast cancer survivors (88%; Table 1), of Hispanic/Latinx (54%) and Chinese (27%) backgrounds. Patient-reported outcome measures were frequently incorporated as primary endpoints (65%), or secondary endpoints (15%). 81% used multi-modal interventions with most encompassing domains of managing psychosocial (85%) or physical (77%) effects from cancer, and most were developed through community-based participatory methods (46%) or informed by earlier work by the same research groups (35%). Interventions were usually delivered by bilingual staff (88%). 17 studies (77%) met their primary endpoints, such as meeting feasibility targets or improvements in quality of life or psychological outcomes. Barriers and facilitators included cultural sensitivity, health literacy, socioeconomic status, acculturation, and access.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive outcomes were associated with cancer survivorship programs/interventions for CALD populations. As we identified only 26 studies over the last 14 years in this field, gaps surrounding provision of cancer survivorship care in CALD populations remain.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Ensuring culturally sensitive and specific delivery of cancer survivorship programs and interventions is paramount in providing optimal care for survivors from CALD backgrounds.

Experiences of Medical Interpreters During Palliative Care Encounters With Limited English Proficiency Patients: A Qualitative Study

Background: There are many challenges in communication and cultural barriers for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) who suffer from serious illnesses. Palliative care utilization among this population remains limited and the experiences of medical interpreters during palliative care encounters remain understudied. Methods: We conducted semistructured video interviews with interpreters working at an academic medical center. Interview questions explored interpreters' observations and experiences during palliative care encounters with LEP patients. We performed thematic analysis of the interview contents. Results: Our study included 20 interpreters who interpret in 9 languages with a mean experience of 16.3 years. We identified four themes from the interviews that shed light on the challenges of incorporating palliative care into the care of patients with LEP: (1) lack of a verbatim interpretation for the term "palliative care," (2) poor patient understanding of their treatment goals, (3) suboptimal timing of palliative care involvement, and (4) fears and misconceptions related to palliative care. Owing to challenges in word choice, the timing of palliative care involvement, and poor understanding of palliative care, interpreters observed that many patients with LEP declined palliative care involvement in their treatment plan. Conclusions: In this study, we identified several actionable barriers interpreters noted to incorporating palliative care into care of patients with LEP. Interventions directed toward providing LEP patients with standardized culturally appropriate information on palliative care are needed.

Differences in End-of-Life Care between COVID-19 Inpatient Decedents with English Proficiency and Limited English Proficiency

Background: Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) experience lower quality end-of-life (EOL) care. This inequity may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: Compare health care utilization, EOL, and palliative care outcomes between COVID-19 decedents with and without LEP during the pandemic's first wave in Massachusetts. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult inpatients who died from COVID-19 between February 18, 2020 and May 18, 2020 at two academic and four community hospitals within a greater Boston health care system. We performed multivariable regression adjusting for patient sociodemographic variables and hospital characteristics. Primary outcome was place of death (intensive care unit [ICU] vs. non-ICU). Secondary outcomes included hospital and ICU length of stay and time to initial palliative care consultation. Results: Among 337 patients, 89 (26.4%) had LEP and 248 (73.6%) were English proficient. Patients with LEP were less often white (24 [27.0%] vs. 193 [77.8%]; p < 0.001); were more often Hispanic or Latinx (40 [45.0%] vs. 13 [5.2%]; p < 0.001); and less often had a medical order for life-sustaining treatment (MOLST) on admission (15 [16.9%] vs. 120 [48.4%]; p < 0.001) versus patients with English proficiency. In the multivariable analyses, LEP was not independently associated with ICU death, ICU length of stay, or time to palliative care consultation, but was independently associated with increased hospital length of stay (mean difference 4.12 days; 95% CI, 1.72-6.53; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Inpatient COVID-19 decedents with LEP were not at increased risk of an ICU death, but were associated with an increased hospital length of stay versus inpatient COVID-19 decedents with English proficiency.

Modeling and analysis of Chinese culture and communication

Along with many other Asian countries, China's communication differs from, and at times, conflicts with, the United States, which is considered more collectivist and low-contact than that of the United States. The topic of the chapter is mental, physical, and behavioral health. This ancient society is one of the world's oldest, with a history spanning many thousand years. These aspects of Chinese culture have significant weight in the Chinese community and society. Chinese participants care deeply about the cultural context, whether social scientists, humanists, or clinical psychiatrists. Based on several studies, Chinese culture influences various aspects of health, including physical and mental well-being, parent-child interactions and social connections, goals for individuals and groups, and health care delivery models. According to research on the subject, traditional Confucian cultural norms have influenced Chinese communication features. To maintain harmonious ties, the Chinese rely heavily on indirect communication. For them, the way you stand, your attitude, and even the tone of your voice all communicate a lot more than just words. They use imprecise language and may understate the significance of what they say. For the MA-CCC model, a brand-new approach has been presented. As long as this Confucian-influenced Chinese communication style persists, it will significantly impact Chinese society and communication between Chinese professionals and their western counterparts. However, the frequency of attachment terms was lower in Chinese literature; the findings showed a rising tendency for AC (affectionate communication) in recent decades. In addition, the frequency of love terms in Chinese novels was linked positively to individuality. As a result of societal shifts, affection sharing becomes more common in individualistic metropolitan settings, as these findings showa performance of 94.2% enhancement.

Asian American Medicare Beneficiaries Disproportionately Receive Invasive Mechanical Ventilation When Hospitalized at the End-of-Life

BACKGROUND

Asian Americans are the fastest-growing ethnic minority in the USA, but we know little about the end-of-life care for this population.

OBJECTIVE

Compare invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) use between older Asian and White decedents with hospitalization in the last 30 days of life.

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

A 20% random sample of 2000-2017 Medicare fee-for-service decedents who were 66 years or older and had a hospitalization in the last 30 days of life.

EXPOSURE

White and Asian ethnicity as collected by the Social Security Administration.

MAIN MEASURES

We identified IMV using validated procedural codes. We compared IMV use between Asian and White fee-for-service decedents using random-effects logistic regression analysis, adjusting for sociodemographics, admitting diagnosis, comorbidities, and secular trends.

KEY RESULTS

From 2000 to 2017, we identified 2.1 million White (54.5% female, 82.4±8.1 mean age) and 28,328 Asian (50.8% female, 82.6±8.1 mean age) Medicare fee-for-service decedents hospitalized in the last 30 days. Compared to White decedents, Asian fee-for-service decedents have an increased adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.42 (95%CI: 1.38-1.47) for IMV. In sub-analyses, Asians' AOR for IMV differed by admitting diagnoses (cancer AOR=1.32, 95%CI: 1.15-1.51; congestive heart failure AOR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.47-2.08; dementia AOR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.70-2.20; and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease AOR=2.25, 95%CI: 1.76-2.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to White decedents, Asian Medicare decedents are more likely to receive IMV when hospitalized at the end-of-life, especially among patients with non-cancer admitting diagnoses. Future research to better understand the reasons for these differences and perceived quality of end-of-life care among Asian Americans is urgently needed.

What's Lost in Translation: A Dialogue-Based Intervention That Improves Interpreter Confidence in Palliative Care Conversations

BACKGROUND

For US patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), diversity of language and culture can create potential health care disparities in discussions of prognosis and goals of care. Although professional medical interpreters are often thought of as language conduits, they are also trained as clarifiers and mediators of cultural barriers between providers, patients and their families. Identifying interpreter challenges in Palliative Care (PC) conversations and brainstorming and rehearsing solutions could improve their confidence interpreting PC encounters and being cultural mediators.

MEASURES

Pre- and Pre/Postintervention PC confidence questionnaires.

INTERVENTION

six-session monthly dialogue-based course.

OUTCOMES

Interpreters showed significant increases in postintervention confidence in PC communication compared with pre-intervention (z = -5.646, P< 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED

This dialogue-based intervention eliciting ongoing interpreter challenges, with PC social work facilitation and role-play with PC clinicians in a mutually respectful environment, significantly improved interpreter confidence in partnering with clinicians in PC conversations.

Spanish Medical Interpreters' Management of Challenges in End of Life Discussions

OBJECTIVE

Professional medical interpreters facilitate patient understanding of illness, prognosis, and treatment options. Facilitating end of life discussions can be challenging. Our objective was to better understand the challenges professional medical interpreters face and how they affect the accuracy of provider-patient communication during discussions of end of life.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with professional Spanish medical interpreters. We asked about their experiences interpreting end of life discussions, including questions about values, professional and emotional challenges interpreting these conversations, and how those challenges might impact accuracy. We used a grounded theory, constant comparative method to analyze the data. Participants completed a short demographic questionnaire.

RESULTS

Seventeen Spanish language interpreters participated. Participants described intensive attention to communication accuracy during end of life discussions, even when discussions caused emotional or professional distress. Professional strains such as rapid discussion tempo contributed to unintentional alterations in discussion content. Perceived non-empathic behaviors of providers contributed to rare, intentional alterations in discussion flow and content.

CONCLUSION

We found that despite challenges, Spanish language interpreters focus intensively on accurate interpretation in discussions of end of life.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Provider training on how to best work with interpreters in these important conversations could support accurate and empathetic interpretation.

"Are They Saying It How I'm Saying It?" A Qualitative Study of Language Barriers and Disparities in Hospice Enrollment

CONTEXT

Language barriers contribute significantly to disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care. However, the mechanisms by which these barriers impact hospice care remains underexamined.

OBJECTIVES

To gain a nuanced understanding of how language barriers and interpretation contribute to disparities in hospice enrollment and hospice care for patients with limited English proficiency.

METHODS

Qualitative, individual interviews were conducted with a variety of stakeholders regarding barriers to quality EOL care in diverse patient populations. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded using NVivo 11 (QSR International Pty Ltd., Melbourne, Australia). Three researchers analyzed all data related to language barriers, first individually, then in group meetings, using a grounded theory approach, until they reached consensus regarding themes. Institutional review board approval was obtained.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants included six nurses/certified nursing assistants, five physicians, three administrators, three social workers, three patient caregivers, and two chaplains, self-identifying from a variety of racial/ethnic backgrounds. Three themes emerged regarding language barriers: 1) structural barriers inhibit access to interpreters; 2) variability in accuracy of translation of EOL concepts exacerbates language barriers; and 3) interpreters' style and manner influence communication efficacy during complex conversations about prognosis, goals of care, and hospice. Our theoretical model derived from the data suggests that Theme 1 is foundational and common to other medical settings. However, Theme 2 and particularly Theme 3 appear especially critical for hospice enrollment and care.

CONCLUSION

Language barriers present unique challenges in hospice care because of the nuance and compassion required for delicate goals of care and EOL conversations. Reducing disparities requires addressing each level of this multilayered barrier.

The Premise and Development of CHECK IN-Check-In for Exchange of Clinical and Key Information to Enhance Palliative Care Discussions for Patients With Limited English Proficiency

Communication regarding serious illness is challenging in most circumstances. Patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) have unique language and cultural needs that often require collaboration with a trained medical interpreter, especially when the clinical encounter involves serious illness decision making or elucidation of patient goals, preferences, and values. Although there is mounting evidence to support interpreter/clinician huddles before a serious illness communication encounter, no current initiatives exist to operationalize this evidence. We are currently in the process of developing, evaluating, and implementing a formal interpreter/clinician huddle process to promote high quality care for patients with LEP. Our huddle guide, called the Check-In for Exchange of Clinical and Key Information (CHECK-IN), is designed to facilitate collaboration between an interpreter and clinician during a serious illness encounter by prompting exchange of relevant sociocultural and clinical information between clinicians and interpreters.

Translating Pediatric Hospital Interpreters' Feedback From Difficult Conversations into Improved Communication

BACKGROUND

Medical interpreters are critical mediators in communication with pediatric subjects and families to include participation in difficult conversations.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this pilot study was to provide suggestions from medical interpreters to palliative care teams as to how to effectively incorporate medical interpreters into end-of-life conversations.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

Participants included pediatric hospital-based medical interpreters who had interpreted for at least 1 end-of-life conversation in the pediatric hospital setting. A total of 11 surveys were completed by medical interpreters. The study consisted of a written 12-item survey with a follow-up focus group to further explore survey themes.

RESULTS

The translation of cultural contexts, awareness of the mixed messages the family received from health care teams, and the emotional intensity of the interactions were depicted as the most challenging aspects of the medical interpreter's role. Despite these challenges, 9 interpreters reported they would willingly be assigned for interpreting "bad news" conversations if given the opportunity (82%). Medical interpreters recognized their relationship with the family and their helping role for the family as meaningful aspects of interpreting even in difficult conversations. Medical interpreters shared 7 thematic suggestions for improved communication in language-discordant visits: content review, message clarity, advocacy role, cultural understanding, communication dynamics, professionalism, and emotional support.

CONCLUSIONS

As experts in cultural dynamics and message transmission, the insights of medical interpreters can improve communication with families.

Study protocol of OncoTolk: an observational study on communication problems in language-mediated consultations with migrant oncology patients in Flanders (Belgium)

INTRODUCTION

Effective doctor-patient communication in oncology settings can be challenging due to the complexity of the cancer disease trajectory. The challenges can become greater when doctors and patients do not share a common language and need to rely on language mediators. The aim of this study is to provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals, patients and language mediators on how to interact with each other during language-mediated consultations in oncology settings.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic review of the literature on communication problems in monolingual and multilingual oncology settings will be conducted. Thirty language-mediated consultations with Turkish-speaking or Arabic-speaking cancer patients, language mediators and Dutch-speaking oncologists/haematologists will be video-recorded in three urban hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. All participants will be interviewed immediately after the consultation and 2 weeks after it by means of video-stimulated recall. Multimodal interaction analysis will be combined with qualitative content analysis to allow for the identification of communication practices when communication problems occur.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the following ethics committees: Ghent University Hospital, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp Hospitals Network (ZNA). Results will be published via (inter)national peer-reviewed journals and the findings of the study will be communicated using a comprehensive dissemination strategy aimed at healthcare professionals, patients and language mediators.