WIP 12 - Working with Medical Interpreters as Healthcare Providers: Implementation of Electronic Learning Module as a Standardized Education Tool

Poster Number: WIP 12
Publication Number: WIP 12.930

Background: With 22% of families in the United States speaking a language other than English at home, language barriers continue to be a concern in healthcare systems causing poor quality of care and adverse events. There is no standardized educational curriculum required for medical providers, including physicians and nurses, with regards to working with medical interpreters effectively though previous studies have shown positive results with provided education

Objective: Does a virtual learning module, in a tertiary care children’s hospital, improve the behavior and skills of bedside nurses when communicating with interpreters to non-English speaking families?

Design/Methods: A 15-minute interactive electronic learning module was produced with the objective of teaching effective techniques for a healthcare provider to utilize when working with a medical interpreter (Lie et al., 2009) (IMIA Guidelines).

For 2 months in Summer 2023, in-person, hospital employed, Spanish interpreters evaluated baseline bedside nurse behaviors and skill with medical interpreting services in the Emergency Department. They utilized an evaluation rubric modified from a previously validated scale (Lie et al., 2009) that guides evaluation a provider when using an interpreter. Our rubric evaluates the key learning points from the module including the physical behaviors and communication techniques with the patient. Nurse performance evaluations were de-identified and aggregated to represent system performance. Bedside nursing staff are blinded to this study.

This fall, the e-learning module was implemented as required CNE training for the ED nurses. Starting November 1, the same in-person Spanish interpreters will assess bedside nurse behavior and skills using the evaluation rubric. This data will again be de-identified and aggregated to represent system performance. Appropriate statistical analysis will be performed to assess for changes in behaviors and skills, including total performance rubric scores as well as sub-domain rubric scores.