1
|
Beaman LR, Barwise AK. A case study on language barriers, health literacy, and family interpretation: What is ethical communication? J Hosp Med 2024. [PMID: 39327820 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay R Beaman
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- School of Psychological Science, College of Liberal Arts, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Amelia K Barwise
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Williams KE, Casola AR, Mechler K. Interpreting Difficult Conversations-Evaluating How to Support Medical Interpreters in the Delivery of Serious News. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:1210-1214. [PMID: 38973559 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn E Williams
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allison R Casola
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kathleen Mechler
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Strechen I, Wilson P, Eltalhi T, Piche K, Tschida-Reuter D, Howard D, Sutor B, Tiong I, Herasevich S, Pickering B, Barwise A. Harnessing health information technology to promote equitable care for patients with limited English proficiency and complex care needs. Trials 2024; 25:450. [PMID: 38961501 PMCID: PMC11223355 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with language barriers encounter healthcare disparities, which may be alleviated by leveraging interpreter skills to reduce cultural, language, and literacy barriers through improved bidirectional communication. Evidence supports the use of in-person interpreters, especially for interactions involving patients with complex care needs. Unfortunately, due to interpreter shortages and clinician underuse of interpreters, patients with language barriers frequently do not get the language services they need or are entitled to. Health information technologies (HIT), including artificial intelligence (AI), have the potential to streamline processes, prompt clinicians to utilize in-person interpreters, and support prioritization. METHODS From May 1, 2023, to June 21, 2024, a single-center stepped wedge cluster randomized trial will be conducted within 35 units of Saint Marys Hospital & Methodist Hospital at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The units include medical, surgical, trauma, and mixed ICUs and hospital floors that admit acute medical and surgical care patients as well as the emergency department (ED). The transitions between study phases will be initiated at 60-day intervals resulting in a 12-month study period. Units in the control group will receive standard care and rely on clinician initiative to request interpreter services. In the intervention group, the study team will generate a daily list of adult inpatients with language barriers, order the list based on their complexity scores (from highest to lowest), and share it with interpreter services, who will send a secure chat message to the bedside nurse. This engagement will be triggered by a predictive machine-learning algorithm based on a palliative care score, supplemented by other predictors of complexity including length of stay and level of care as well as procedures, events, and clinical notes. DISCUSSION This pragmatic clinical trial approach will integrate a predictive machine-learning algorithm into a workflow process and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. We will compare the use of in-person interpreters and time to first interpreter use between the control and intervention groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05860777. May 16, 2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inna Strechen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Patrick Wilson
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Targ Eltalhi
- Language Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Diane Howard
- Language Services Operations Administrator, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Bruce Sutor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Medical Director of Language Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ing Tiong
- Information Technology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Svetlana Herasevich
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Brian Pickering
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Critical Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program and Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang S, Barwise A, Perrucci A, Bartz D. Equitable abortion care for patients with non-English language preference. Contraception 2024; 133:110389. [PMID: 38354764 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2024.110389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Yang
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Biomedical Ethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Alissa Perrucci
- Women's Options Center, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Deborah Bartz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fukui N, Partain DK, Yeow ME, Farfour HN, Prokop L, Barwise A. Learning to collaborate with medical interpreters in health professions education: A systematic review of training programs. MEDICAL TEACHER 2024; 46:258-272. [PMID: 37625438 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2023.2249211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working effectively with medical interpreters is an increasingly valuable skill for clinicians to provide high-quality medical care. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of existing training programs that teach optimal collaboration practices between clinicians and interpreters during patient encounters. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central for studies published from 1945 through June 21, 2022. RESULTS Out of the 1689 studies screened, we identified 19 studies that met inclusion criteria. Participants were from diverse professions, medical specialities, and training levels. Interpreter involvement in the development or delivery of the program was mentioned in 63% of the evaluated studies. There was substantial variability in training design, assessment methods, and reported outcomes. Only 10 of the programs included an objective knowledge or skills assessment. Only one study conducted a longitudinal assessment of skill maintenance over time. The training programs were generally well received. CONCLUSIONS There is a critical need for structured programs to train clinicians to effectively collaborate with medical interpreters to reduce healthcare disparities. An effective training program should involve interpreters in the development and delivery of the program, practical skills development through interactive activities, structured clinical skill assessment, and both in-person and virtual components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natsu Fukui
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel K Partain
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mei-Ean Yeow
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Larry Prokop
- Mayo Clinic Libraries, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang C, Prokop L, Barwise A. Strategies Used by Healthcare Systems to Communicate with Hospitalized Patients and Families with Limited English Proficiency During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. J Immigr Minor Health 2023; 25:1393-1401. [PMID: 36821068 PMCID: PMC9948796 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-023-01453-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, including many with limited English proficiency (LEP). These patients face various communication barriers, including a shortage of available interpreters and the need for masks that exacerbated communication barriers. It is not known how hospitals responded to these unique challenges to providing language services for the large number of patients with LEP during COVID-19. This narrative review assessed literature and lay media to identify strategies utilized by hospitals to communicate with patients with LEP hospitalized during the COVID-19 pandemic. A search of APA PsychInfo, EBM Reviews, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Epub Ahead of Print, and Ebsco Megafile initially yielded 61 articles, 6 of which were ultimately included after reviewing abstracts and full texts. The identified interventions, which sought to increase accessibility of language-concordant care, increase accessibility of professional interpretation, and improve family communication and understanding, were described positively, though only one was tested for effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Yang
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
| | - Larry Prokop
- Department of Library Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amelia Barwise
- Bioethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Slusarz C. The roles and experiences of medical interpreters in palliative care: A narrative review. Palliat Support Care 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37855105 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Slusarz
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Barwise AK, Moriarty JP, Rosedahl JK, Soleimani J, Marquez A, Weister TJ, Gajic O, Borah BJ. Comparative costs for critically ill patients with limited English proficiency versus English proficiency. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279126. [PMID: 37186248 PMCID: PMC10132690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct comparative cost analysis of hospital care for critically ill patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) versus patients with English proficiency (controls). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a historical cohort study using propensity matching at Mayo Clinic Rochester, a quaternary care academic center. We included hospitalized patients who had at least one admission to ICU during a 10-year period between 1/1/2008-12/31/2017. RESULTS Due to substantial differences in baseline characteristics of the groups, propensity matching for the covariates age, sex, race, ethnicity, APACHE 3 score, and Charlson Comorbidity score was used, and we achieved the intended balance. The final cohort included 80,404 patients, 4,246 with LEP and 76,158 controls. Patients with LEP had higher costs during hospital admission to discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3861 (95% CI $822 to $6900, p = 0.013) and also higher costs during index ICU admission to hospital discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3166 (95% CI $231 to $6101, p = 0.035). A propensity matched cohort including only those that survived showed those with LEP had significantly greater mean costs for all outcomes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that international patients with LEP had significantly greater overall hospital costs of $9,240 than patients with LEP who resided in the US (95% CI $3341 to $15,140, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION This is the first study to demonstrate significantly higher costs for patients with LEP experiencing a critical illness. The causes for this may be increased healthcare utilization secondary to communication deficiencies that impede timely decision making about care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amelia K Barwise
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- Bioethics Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - James P Moriarty
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jordan K Rosedahl
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Jalal Soleimani
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Alberto Marquez
- Anesthesia Clinical Research Unit (ACRU), Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Timothy J Weister
- Anesthesia Clinical Research Unit (ACRU), Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ognjen Gajic
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Bijan J Borah
- Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Latif Z, Kontrimas J, Goldhirsch J, Abrahm J, Warraich HJ. Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Working with Medical Interpreters. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1426-1430. [PMID: 35319273 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical interpreters are the primary facilitators of effective communication between clinical providers and patients with limited English proficiency. They can assist in managing complex meetings in which patients, families, and clinicians decide on next steps in care. Palliative care (PC) clinicians inherently work in an interdisciplinary manner, which enables them to learn and model the effective integration of medical interpreters into the PC team. Rather than using an interpreter as a language tool, this article encourages PC clinicians to cultivate a partnership with the interpreter as a team member. We describe 10 tips for effective partnering with interpreters: the importance of including the interpreters in preencounter huddles and post-encounter debriefs, agreeing on strategies for interpreting "untranslatable" words and managing the encounters, using the "teach back" method to ensure understanding, acknowledging interpreters as cultural mediators, understanding the potential emotional impact of family meetings on interpreters, and enhancing follow-up with the PC team by providing contact information for PC staff to patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zara Latif
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jane Kontrimas
- Interpreter Services, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica Goldhirsch
- Department of Social Work, Care Coordination, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet Abrahm
- Division of Adult Palliative Care, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haider J Warraich
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Cardiology Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bloomer MJ, Poon P, Runacres F, Hutchinson AM. Facilitating family needs and support at the end of life in hospital: A descriptive study. Palliat Med 2022; 36:549-554. [PMID: 34965777 PMCID: PMC8972949 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211066431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for family members of dying patients is a vital component of end-of-life care, yet family members' needs at the end of life may be unmet. AIM To explore hospital clinician assessment and facilitation of family needs and practices to support families at the end of life. DESIGN Descriptive study utilising a retrospective medical record audit. SETTING AND SAMPLE Undertaken in a large public hospital, the sample included 200 deceased patients from four specialities; general medicine (n = 50), intensive care (n = 50), inpatient palliative care (n = 50) and aged rehabilitation (n = 50). Data were analysed according to age; under 65-years and 65-years or over. RESULTS Deceased patients' mean age was 75-years, 60% were Christian and Next-of-Kin were documented in 96% of cases. 79% spoke English, yet interpreters were used in only 6% of cases. Formal family meetings were held in 64% of cases. An assessment of family needs was undertaken in 52% of cases, and more likely for those under 65-years (p = 0.027). Cultural/religious practices were supported/facilitated in only 6% of all cases. Specialist palliative care involvement was more likely for those aged 65-years or over (p = 0.040) and social work involvement more likely for those under 65-years (p = 0.002). Pastoral care and bereavement support was low across the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS Prioritising family needs should be core to end-of-life care. Anticipation of death should trigger routine referral to support personnel/services to ensure practice is guided by family needs. More research is needed to evaluate how family needs assessment can inform end-of-life care, supported by policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Bloomer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Monash Health, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Monash Health Partnership, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter Poon
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Eastern Palliative Care Association, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Runacres
- Supportive and Palliative Care Unit Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem, South Caulfield, VIC, Australia
- The University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison M Hutchinson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Monash Health, Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research – Monash Health Partnership, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|