Interpreters

Presenters

  • Paul Spacek, MS

    • Program Manager, Education and Development Language and Accessibility Services

  • Ryan Northup, MD

    • Director, Global Health General Academic Pediatrics- Clínica Hispana de Cuidados de Salud (CHiCoS)
    • Continuity Care Clinic Director

Introduction

  • Topic: Partnering with Interpreters: An Essential Professional Skill
  • Date of Presentation: February 17th
  • Venue: UMKC School of Medicine

Importance of Partnering with an Interpreter

  • Key Question: Why is knowing how to partner well with an interpreter important?
    • Essential for effective communication in healthcare settings.

Engagement Activity

  • Audience Participation:
    • A QR code/link for submitting responses regarding language proficiency.
    • Potential responses include:
    • Just English
    • A little in another language
    • Quite good in another language (possibly fluent)
    • Native language other than English
    • Good but not fluent in another language

Legal Framework for Language Services

  • Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI
    • Provides a legal obligation to provide language services.
  • Joint Commission and CLAS Standards
    • The Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) are important standards.
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA)
    • Mandates the provision of appropriate language services to patients.

Components of Working with Interpreters

1. Knowledge

  • Critical Understanding:
    • Essential knowledge required to work effectively.

2. Skills

  • Practical Application:
    • How to properly perform duties involving interpreters.

3. Attitude

  • Professional Mindset:
    • How professionals think about language access and interpretation.

Definitions and Distinctions

LEP (Limited English Proficient)

  • Definition: Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.

Bilingual

  • Definition: Capable of communicating fluently in two languages. Example related statement:
    • "I can cry in both English and Spanish."

Interpreter vs. Translator

  • Key Distinction:
    • Interpreters work with spoken language while translators work with written text.
  • Clarification obtained through audience participation indicated that interpreters and translators are not the same.

Knowledge Areas in Interpretation

  • Confidentiality:
    • Obligation to protect patient privacy.
  • Message Accuracy:
    • Importance of rendering messages accurately, conveying both content and spirit of the original message.
  • Impartiality:
    • Maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Cultural Awareness:
    • Need to be aware of one's own and others' cultures.
  • Respect:
    • Treating all parties involved with respect.
  • Advocacy:
    • Interpreters can advocate only if the patient's well-being or dignity is at risk.

Skills Development

Pre-Session Preparation

  • Importance of preparing before sessions with interpreters to ensure effective communication.

Interacting with Families

  • Skills related to effectively engaging with families through interpreters.

Conveying the Message

  • Strategies for ensuring that the message is conveyed accurately to the patient through the interpreter.

Spanish Practice

  • Importance of practicing Spanish or other languages in a clinical context to enhance communication skills with patients from diverse backgrounds.

Attitude Towards Work

  • Importance of a Positive Perspective:
    • How attitudes toward language and cultures affect interactions with patients.

Case Studies in Interpretation Scenarios

Case #1

  • Scenario: Encountering a couple speaking Somali who refuses an interpreter.
    • Actions and considerations to take in this situation.

Case #2

  • Scenario: Working with a male Chuukese interpreter in an OB clinic where the patient is reticent.
    • Examine reasons for the patient’s behavior and potential strategies to overcome it.

Case #3

  • Scenario: Operating in rural Guatemala without professional interpreters, needing to communicate in a local Mayan dialect.
    • Assess problem-solving methods in such an environment.

Case #4

  • Scenario: Noticing an attending physician struggling to communicate effectively in Spanish with a family.
    • Evaluation of the communication quality and actions to take.

Case #5

  • Scenario: Using a speakerphone with an Arabic-speaking family but doubting the interpreter's abilities due to confusion.
    • Considerations for addressing communication concerns.

Additional Case Studies

  • Various scenarios addressing common challenges in working with interpreters and patients from diverse backgrounds.
    • Include questions about the best course of action and what information is necessary to effectively support families.

Conclusion

  • Importance of understanding the complex dynamics involved in interpreter use and language access in healthcare settings.
  • Culture and language coaching concepts as part of training for medical professionals.
  • Reference to CHICOS (Children's Hospital Interpreting and Cultural Services) at Children's Mercy Hospital as an example of implementing language services.