Journal Pre-proof

INTERPRETERS IN HEALTHCARE: A CONCISE REVIEW for

Clinicians

Mary J. Kasten M.D. , Anthony C. Berman Ed.D. ,

Amanda B. Ebright M.D. , Jay D. Mitchell M.D. ,
Onelis Quirindongo-Cedeno M.D.

PII: S0002-9343(20)30012-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.12.008
Reference: AJM 15527

To appear in: The American Journal of Medicine

Please cite this article as: Mary J. Kasten M.D. , Anthony C. Berman Ed.D. ,
Amanda B. Ebright M.D. , Jay D. Mitchell M.D. , Onelis Quirindongo-Cedeno M.D. , INTER-
PRETERS IN HEALTHCARE: A CONCISE REVIEW for Clinicians, The American Journal of Medicine
(2020), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.12.008

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Highlights

 Use of trained medical interpreters has been shown to increase quality of care and lower
healthcare disparities
 Speak slowly, simply and in short sentences when working with medical interpreters
 Look and speak to your patient not to the interpreter
 Avoid using untrained individuals including family members to interpret and never use a minor
for medical interpretation
 INTERPRETERS IN HEALTHCARE: A CONCISE REVIEW for Clinicians

Mary J. Kasten, M.D.

Divisions of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine
Associate Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Rochester, Minnesota

Anthony C. Berman, Ed.D.

Contracted Educator, Mayo Clinic Alix School of of Medicine, Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota

Amanda B. Ebright, M.D.

Division of Hospital Internal Medicine
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Rochester, Minnesota

Jay D. Mitchell, M.D.

Department of Family Medicine
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mayo clinic Alix School of Medicine

Onelis Quirindongo-Cedeno, M.D.

Division of Community Internal Medicine
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Mayo clinic Alix School of Medicine
Rochester, Minnesota

None of the authors declare a conflict of interest for this manuscript.

Funding Source: None

All authors had a role in researching and writing this manuscript.

Running head: Interpreters in Health Care

Key words: Interpreters, Culture, Healthcare, Language, Healthcare disparities
Correspondence to:

Dr. Mary J. Kasten, M.D.Mayo Clinic

200 First Street SW
Rochester, Minnesota

E-mail:[email protected]
 Abstract: INTERPRETERS IN HEALTHCARE: A Concise Review for Clinicians

Health care providers are frequently faced with the challenge of caring for patients who have limited
English proficiency. These patients experience challenges accessing healthcare and are at higher risk of
receiving suboptimal healthcare than native English speakers. Healthcare interpreters are crucial
partners to help break down communication barriers and prevent these patients from facing health care
disparities. Many providers lack the skill-set and knowledge that are vital to successful collaboration
with an interpreter. The objective of this article is to address a number of questions surrounding the use
of healthcare interpreters and to provide concrete suggestions which will enable providers to best serve
their patients.

Key words

Medical Interpreter

Health Literacy

Communication

Cultural Broker

Health disparities

INTERPRETERS IN HEALTHCARE: A Concise Review for Clinicians

Healthcare interpretation is much more complex than simply having an individual who is bilingual
available to translate for the patient and the provider. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (1), more
than 60 million Americans speak a language other than English at home, and more than 25 million
Americans speak English “less than very well”. Patients with limited English proficiency experience
challenges accessing healthcare and are at higher risk of receiving suboptimal healthcare than native
English speakers. Over 100 languages other than English are commonly spoken in the United States (2).
Healthcare disparities faced by this diverse patient population with limited English proficiency, include
an increased risk of drug complications, poor understanding of their illnesses, or misdiagnosis due to
being misunderstood by their physicians (3, 4).

Consequently, healthcare interpreters are now frequently joining the care team for our diverse patient
populations. However, many providers lack the skill-set and knowledge that are vital to successful
collaboration with an interpreter. In this article we address a number of questions surrounding the use
of healthcare interpreters with the aim of breaking down communication barriers and providing
concrete suggestions which will enable medical providers to best serve their patients during these
encounters.
What are the benefits of using healthcare interpreters?

An interpreter is a person who renders a message from one language into a second language (5).
According to the National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare, a professional medical interpreter is any
individual paid and provided by the hospital or health system to interpret (6). Studies have reported the
positive benefits of trained interpreters on communication: better comprehension of health issues,
better compliance with medical recommendations, improved patient satisfaction, and improved clinical
outcomes for patients with limited English proficiency (1, 4, 7, 8). The use of professional medical
interpreters can raise the quality of clinical care for patients with limited English proficiency to approach
or equal that for patients without language barriers (4). Without access to professional interpreters, the
large and growing limited English proficiency population will continue to suffer differentials in health
and healthcare (4).

What does the law say about providing healthcare interpretation services?

Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act established the core legal basis for equal treatment from federal
agencies for those with limited English proficiency (9). As a federal agency, the Department of Health
and Human Services (DHHS) and its Office for Civil Rights have the responsibility for establishing
requirements and enforcing regulations related to provision of language and communication services in
healthcare settings. These regulations apply to any entities that accept funding from the government
(e.g. Medicaid , Medicare payments) (9). Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 likewise
establishes protections for individuals with limited English proficiency and applies to programs which
receive any federal funding or participate in the Healthcare Marketplace (10). Importantly, individual
states may also have in place additional legal mandates or procedures (9).

In addition to these federal and state legal mandates, accreditation (Joint Commission on Accreditation
of Healthcare Organizations) (11), professional (International Medical Interpreters Association) (12), and
advocacy (National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare) (13) organizations have additional
requirements, guidelines, and best practices.
Guidance for providers/institutions to understand their general responsibilities is perhaps most clearly
outlined in the National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and
Healthcare (The National CLAS Standards) (14). Issued in 2013 by the Office of Minority Health within the
DHHS, the National CLAS Standards provide a “blueprint” for healthcare entities to improve and advance
care to diverse communities. This document establishes 15 standards of which four are devoted to
Communication and Language Assistance:

1. Offer language assistance to individuals who have limited English proficiency and/or other
communication needs, at no cost to them, to facilitate timely access to all healthcare and
services.
2. Inform all individuals of the availability of language assistance services clearly and in their
preferred language, verbally and in writing.
3. Ensure the competence of individuals providing language assistance, recognizing that the
use of untrained individuals and/or minors as interpreters should be avoided.
4. Provide easy-to-understand print and multimedia materials and signage in the language
commonly used by the population in the service area.
The bottom line is that healthcare providers are obligated, both legally and in terms of best practice, to
provide services designed to meet the communication needs of their patients; not providing these
services when necessary is considered to be discriminatory and/or illegal (1).

What training and certification is available for professional interpreters?

Most Certified Medical Interpreters have passed both a written and an oral exam, however this process
is not available for all languages. National certification for interpreters is provided by the Certification
Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) (15), the National Board of Certification for Medical
Interpreters (NBCMI) (16), or the National Association for the Deaf (NAD) (17). The CCHI provides two
types of certification for healthcare interpreters. Interpreters can claim to be a Core Certification
Healthcare Interpreter if they pass the CCHI electronic exam, have received at least 40 hours of training
in healthcare interpretation, and report proficiency both in English and the language they are seeking to
interpret. The CCHI has an oral/performance exam for Spanish, Arabic, and Mandarin, and the NBCMI
also has an oral exam for Russian, Cantonese, and Korean, and by passing one of these oral exams, an
interpreter can become a Certified Medical Interpreter. The National Association for the Deaf has an
interpreter assessment and certification program in conjunction with the Registry of Interpreters for the
Deaf, which involves a written exam, interview, and performance exam. Trained professional
interpreters have received formal education in interpreting, have developed a basic understanding of
medical terminology and diseases, and know the responsibilities of their positions (5), however training
is still evolving, and can vary widely (6). Once certification has been attained, professional sign and
spoken language interpreters maintain their credentials though clinical education units, seminars, and
classes.

What can you expect from a professional medical interpreter?

Professional medical interpreters are trained to translate spoken word and to use the exact words
spoken by the healthcare provider. The provider needs to remember that medical jargon will be
interpreted as medical jargon, and high level vocabulary will be interpreted with high level words. The
interpreter should not be expected to change wording to make it more understandable for the patient.
Professional interpreters may inform the provider of the potential for communication errors; this,
however, should not be an absolute expectation. Ideally the interpreter will speak the same dialect as
the patient and be familiar with the patient’s culture. U.S. medical interpreters are expected to be fluent
in English and the language they interpret.

Studies have shown that using a professionally trained medical interpreter results in fewer
communication errors than using an ad hoc interpreter (an untrained person called upon to interpret)
(4, 18). Professional medical interpreters have had training in confidentiality and are expected to keep
all information about the patient confidential, similar to any other healthcare provider. Untrained
interpreters are more likely to violate confidentiality, make translation errors, and increase the risk of
poor outcomes (1).

How can a healthcare interpreter serve as a cultural liaison?

The medical interpreter is often also able to act as a cultural liaison (i.e. one who can identify for the
provider cultural or social factors which might impact the encounter). A brief pre-visit meeting with
interpreters asking for their input into the background of the patient and for tips with regard to cultural
expectations is often helpful (19). An example is that the interpreter could inform a provider that for
religious reasons a patient may avoid handshaking with members of the opposite sex. A brief meeting
following the visit between the provider and interpreter can be helpful in clarifying issues that the
provider may not have understood due to cultural beliefs or practices.

What are some techniques a provider can use to most effectively work with a healthcare interpreter?

There are a number of things that the provider should consider in order to make the most effective use
of an interpreter:

Previsit
 Meet with the interpreter before the interview for introductions and to establish
shared ground rules/behavior.
 Ask the interpreter questions such as, “Have you worked with this patient before? Is
there anything that would be helpful for me/you to know before going in?”
 Allow extra time for the interview.
Set-up/Environment
 Identify all persons in the room and who, if anyone, has some English proficiency.
 In an office setting: Position the interpreter next to or slightly behind the provider.
 In a hospital room or emergency room setting: Interpreter and provider should stand
on the same side of the bed to avoid the patient having to swing head back and forth
between interpreter and provider.
 Be sure the patient can see your face.
 Be sure you can see the face of the patient.
 Be sure any light source is on your face and not behind your head. This is especially
important when interacting with a deaf or hearing impaired patient.
Speaking Techniques
 Look at and speak directly to the patient in the first person, as if the interpreter was not
present.
 Speak clearly at a normal pace in a normal volume. A common error is to speak too
loudly.
 Speak in short sentences or short thought groups. Ideally speak only one or two
sentences at a time before allowing the interpreter to translate.
 Ask one question at a time, avoiding the “stacking” of questions (“Do you have any
chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations?”).
 Use simple, common, everyday words.
 Avoid complex medical terms and acronyms (PE, COPD, ICU). When such terms must be
used, be sure there is adequate definition/patient education.
 Avoid slang (“Bug Juice” for antibiotics).
 Avoid idioms (“Fit as a fiddle”, “Alive and kicking”, “Fall ill”, “Draw blood”).
 Consider adopting the patient’s terminology for a symptom/issue, after clarifying to be
sure you have a shared understanding (“So you use the ‘purple’ inhaler that we call
‘Albuterol’ ?”).
 Avoid humor, as it can fail to translate.
 Do not allow the interpreter to answer for the patient.
 Keep control of the conversation by interrupting if necessary. If a lot of conversation
occurs between interpreter and patient, ask the interpreter to explain.
Check for Understanding
  Use visual aids (diagrams, models, and models) as much as possible to enhance
communication.
 Provide frequent “wait time”, as pausing can be helpful for both the patient and the
interpreter.
 Check often for understanding by asking questions.
 Be careful with explanatory analogies to be certain they are relevant and not idiomatic.
 Use “Tell me what I said” or “Show me what I said” or “How will you explain this to your
family?” to check for understanding.
 Re-state what the patient has said in order to reinforce understanding.
 Ask for feedback from the interpreter before bringing closure to the interview.
 Summarize the conversation at the end, providing closure to the interview.
 Provide a written outline of your take home points so they can be reviewed later.

It is also important to be aware throughout the interview of non-verbal signs suggesting the patient is
having difficulty understanding. Non-verbal communication includes eye contact, inattention, gestures,
posture, body movements, and facial expressions. Attention to these non-verbal clues can be critical to
determining the patient is struggling to understand the provider’s message (20).

What should a provider do when a patient declines a professional interpreter?

Sometimes patients decline the offer to use healthcare interpreters. Reasons for refusal of an
interpreter could include the discussion of a sensitive topic, that the patient may know the interpreter in
the community setting, or that the interpreter does not speak the same dialect. The provider can
choose a more anonymous method of interpretation such as a telephone interpreter, thereby providing
adequate and anonymous interpretation.

Patients may insist that a family member or friend with adequate English proficiency act as their
interpreter. This is highly discouraged, and children should not be used as interpreters except in
emergency situations where there is no access to any other method of interpretation. Providers who
allow a family member to interpret are highly encouraged to have a trained healthcare interpreter stay
for the interview. The trained interpreter can support the provider in case clarification is needed and
can assure accuracy. The pitfalls of using family members or friends as medical interpreters are
numerous, as family or friends may have their own agenda, they may be uncomfortable being honest in
relaying bad news, and patients may be uncomfortable being honest regarding sensitive issues. Side
conversations unrelated to the healthcare visit can make the visit less efficient. Most importantly, there
is no guarantee that the information interpreted will be accurate or will remain confidential.

The use or refusal of a medical interpreter should always be clearly documented in the medical record.
This documentation should also include who conducted and who interpreted the interview.

What are the alternatives to an “in-person” interpreter?

Phone medical interpreters are commonly used when an in-person interpreter is not available.
Institutions can subscribe to a service or pay by the minute for phone interpretation. Many smaller
clinics and hospitals with limited need for interpretation or without the resources for in-person
interpretation can rely on large telephone interpreting services which hire certified interpreters across a
spectrum of languages. Large institutions may also have occasions when an in-person interpreter is not
available for a particular language and a phone interpreter is necessary. In addition, as previously
indicated, some patients may be more comfortable sharing information with their provider through a
phone interpreter rather than with an in-person medical interpreter. Phone interpreters can provide
excellent interpretation. However it is often more challenging for the phone interpreter to act as a
cultural liaison compared to an in-person interpreter. Providers need to introduce the phone interpreter
to all present and their relationship to the patient. The importance of transparency is especially
important when working with a phone interpreter. An example is to state, “I am going type some
information about our discussion into your chart”. The provider must make an extra effort to check in
with the patient, and if the patient or provider does not feel the interpretation is going well a new
phone interpreter should be requested. (21)

Video Remote Interpreting via tablet, smart phone, or computer-based applications providing a link to
professional interpretation services is becoming increasingly popular. When used, the device should be
positioned so the interpreter can see the patient. A pre-visit between the medical interpreter and the
provider prior to the provider entering the room can allow the remote medical interpreter to act as a
cultural liaison like in a face-to-face visit. This technology can also be used for medical interpretation for
the deaf, versus closed captioning (spoken word appearing on a screen), texting, writing, or typing when
in-person sign language interpreters are not available.

What are some additional resources for a provider who is working with an interpreter?

Nationally and internationally, there are many organizations dedicated to medical or healthcare
interpretation. These are rich with information and resources, including information on certification
requirements, training, conferences, active research, and related issues of importance, including
diversity, healthcare disparities, health literacy, and others.

For a provider desiring additional resources regarding working with interpreters, the following websites
are offered (1):

 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Overview of Medical Interpreter Standards of
Practice
http://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/lepguide/lepguidefig5.html
 Improving patient safety for patients with Limited English Proficiency

 Cross Cultural Healthcare Program

http://www.xculture.org

 A bridge between communities and healthcare institutions

 DiversityRx
http://www.diversityrx.org

 Improving healthcare for a diverse world

 National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters

http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org
  Fosters improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety, and patient/provider
communication

 National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Healthcare

http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53

 Dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minorities

 Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf

http://www.rid.org

 Advocates for best practices in interpreting for users of languages that are signed

CONCLUSION

It is our duty, both ethically and legally, to provide an environment where our patients can feel
comfortable knowing they will be listened to and offered information in a language they can
understand. The use of a well-trained healthcare interpreter is often the most important step in fulfilling
this duty. While more time, thought, and preparation are involved in preparing for a successful patient
encounter utilizing a healthcare interpreter, there are a number of specific behaviors that can serve to
benefit both the patient and the provider in these interactions.

REFERENCES

1. Juckett G, Unger K. Appropriate use of medical interpreters. Am Fam Physician 2014; 90(7): 476-
480.
2. Shin HB, Bruno R. Language use and speaking ability: 2000. United States Census Bureau
Available at: https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2000/briefs/c2kbr-29.pdf
Accessed March 27, 2018.
3. Gandhi TK, Burstin EF, Cook EF, Puopolo AL, Haas JS, Brennan TA, Bates DW. Drug complications
in outpatients. J Gen Intern Med 2000; 15: 149-154.
4. Karliner LS, Jacobs EA, Chen AH, Mutha S. Do professional interpreters improve clinical care for
patients with limited English proficiency? A systematic review of the literature. Health Serv Res
2007; 42(2): 727-754.
5. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care. The terminology of health care in interpreting: A
glossary of terms. The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC) 2008; 1-10.
6. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care. The terminology of health care in interpreting: A
glossary of terms. Working Paper Series: The National Council on Interpreting in Health Care
(NCIHC) 2001; 1-10.
7. Bagchi AD, Dale S, Verbitsky-Savitz N, Andrecheck S, Zavotsky K, Eisenstein R. Examining
effectiveness of medical interpreters in emergency departments for Spanish-speaking patients
with limited English proficiency: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Ann Emerg Med 2011;
57(3): 248-256.
8. Flores G. The impact of medical interpreter services on the quality of health care: A systematic
review. Med Care Res Rev 2005; 62(3): 255-299.
9. Chen AH, Youdelman MK, Brooks J. The legal framework for language access in healthcare
settings: Title VI and beyond. J Gen Intern Med 2007; 22 (Suppl 2): 362-367.
10. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – Section 1557. Available at:
https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-15578. Accessed May 22, 2017.
11. Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Crosswalk of joint commission
ambulatory program and the national CLAS standards. Available at:
https://www.jointcommission.org/topics/health_equity.aspx. Accessed May 22, 2017.
12. International Medical Interpreters Association. Translation resources. Available at:
http://www.imiaweb.org/resources/translations.asp. Accessed May 22, 2017.
13. National Council on Interpreting in Healthcare. Available at: http://www.ncihc.org/ethics-and-
standards-of-practice. Accessed May 22,2017.
14. Office of Minority Health. National standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate services
(CLAS) in health and health care: A blueprint for advancing and sustaining CLAS policy and
practice. Office of Minority Health (OMH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2013;
Available at:
https://www.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/pdfs/EnhancedCLASStandardsBlueprint.pdf. Accessed
May 22, 2017.
15. Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters. Available at:
http://www.cchicertification.org. Accessed March 28, 2018.
16. National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters. Available at:
http://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org. Accessed March 28,2018.
17. National Association for the Deaf. Available at:
http://www.nad.org/?s=certification+of+interpreters. Accessed March 28, 2018.
18. Flores G, Abreu M, Barone CP, Bachur R, Lin H. Errors of medical interpretation and their
potential clinical consequences: A comparison of professional versus ad hoc versus no
interpreters. Ann Emerg Med 2012; 60(5): 545-553.
19. Dysart-Gale D. Clinicians and medical interpreters: Negotiating culturally appropriate care for
patients with limited English ability. Fam Community Health 2007; 30(3): 237-246.
20. Berman AC, Chutka DS. Assessing effective physician-patient communication skills: “Are you
listening to me, doc?” Korean J Med Educ 2016; 28(2): 243-249.
21. Ratanawongsa N, Cardenas A, Occeña B, Critchfield J, Mercer M, Myers K. Certified Medical
Interpreters’ Perspectives on Relationship-Centered Communication in Safety-Net Care. August
2018. https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2018.0000169.1 Acessed 4/24/19.
Optional Questions:

You are seeing Aku Ogal a 23 year old woman from Somalia with limited English proficiency. You are
working with a trained medical interpreter. Which of the following should you avoid during your visit
with this patient?

a. Use of humor
b. Simple explanations
c. Looking directly at the patient
d. Adopting the patient’s terminology for her condition
e. Use of Visual Aids
The correct answer is A

Although humor can help build rapport when clinicians and patients share the same language and
background it can be misunderstood and often is challenging to appropriately translate. Simple
explanations are important to aid in understanding for all patients, but especially important when using
an interpeter. Most patients will feel more engaged when they are spoken to directly, even though they
do not understand the language. There are some cultures where patients may out of respect not make
eye contact with a provider, however in most situations looking and speaking directly to the patient is
helpful. Adopting a patient’s terminology is a helpful aid to understanding when working with patients
with limited English proficiency. Visual aids can also be helpful not only for patients with limited English
proficiency but for all who are visual learners.

Reference: Juckett G, Unger K. Appropriate use of medical interpreters. Am Fam Physician 2014; 90(7):
476-480.

You are seeing Maria Diaz a 54 year old Spanish speaking refugee from El Salvador with the help of a
trained healthcare phone interpreter. You can expect that the interpreter

a. Will inform you if the patient seems confused or upset

b. Has proficiency in both Spanish and English
c. Will simplify your language to improve the patient’s understanding
d. Will be familiar with the customs of most patients from El Salvador
e. All of the above

The correct answer is B

Ideally the interpreter will inform you if your patient seems confused, and may ask you to simplify your
language or clarify jargon but this should not be an expectation. All medical interpreters must at a bare
minimum be proficient in both the patient’s and the health care provider’s languages. Trained
interpreters may be familiar with the traditions of the patient, but may be completely ignorant of the
local customs despite sharing a common language.
Reference: Medical Interpreting Standards of Practice. Developed by International Medical Interpreters
Association and Education development center Inc. Available at
https://www.imiaweb.org/uploads/pages/102.pdf. Accessed May 7 2019.

Jose Gonzalez is a 45 year old man admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. He is a new patient to your
facility. When you meet him on rounds, two family members are present: his teenage son and wife. Also
present is a nursing assistant who is speaking to the family in Spanish. You introduce yourself and notice
Mr. Gonzalez responds appropriately in English and then turns to speak to his family in Spanish. His son
then greets you in English and explains that his father understands and speaks some English but that he
(the son) is bilingual and can translate. An in-person trained interpreter is not available. You should

A) Accept the offer of the teenage son to provide medical interpretation

B) Ask the patient if he prefers to have his son interpret
C) Ask the son if the patient’s wife speaks English and can interpret
D) Ask the nursing assistant to provide medical interpretation
E) Utilize your hospital’s “language line” medical interpretation service for professional medical
interpretation via speaker phone.

The correct answer is E

While patient preferences are important and should be heard, medical interpretation performed by a
trained interpreter is not only best practice, but is our legal responsibility to provide. Minors should
not be asked to provide medical interpretation. For a variety of reasons (such as conflict of interest, lack
of familiarity with medical terminology, confidentiality) family members and friends should also not be
asked to provide interpretation. While the bilingual nursing assistant might seem to be a reasonable
alternative, unless she has been trained, her competence as an interpreter is uncertain. Untrained
individuals should not be used as medical interpreters. In cases where patients decline a professional
interpreter, this should be carefully documented in the medical record. A helpful strategy to circumvent
this problem is for the provider to request a trained interpreter be present while friends/family provide
the translation. This allows the trained interpreter to advise on the accuracy of communication and the
potential to intervene/correct if necessary.

Reference: Office of Minority Health. National standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate
services (CLAS) in health and health care: A blueprint for advancing and sustaining CLAS policy and
practice. Office of Minority Health (OMH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2013;
Available at: https://www.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/pdfs/EnhancedCLASStandardsBlueprint.pdf.
Accessed May 22, 2017.

Priya Patel is a 62 year old woman from India who is being seen for new edema. She is visiting her
daughter who is in a chemistry PhD program in the US. She speaks a small amount of English and is seen
with her daughter in the clinic who speaks excellent English. A Punjabi interpreter is available and
introduced to the patient and her daughter. The patient seems nervous and is insistent that her
daughter interpret. Which would be the best next step?
 A. Ask the patient and daughter if the interpreter can stay to help if needed.
B. Dismiss the interpreter and document in the record that the patient refused a trained
medical interpreter and that daughter interpreted
C. Ask the interpreter to briefly step out and then inquire with patient and daughter if there
is a problem with this specific interpreter
D. Inform the patient and daughter that your practice is to always use a trained medical
interpreter when you do not speak the patient’s native language
E. Ask the interpreter for input regarding the situation

The correct answer is C

The health care provider has recognized that the patient seems nervous and rapport may be damaged if
the provider continues to insist that this interpreter is used. Ideally a trained interpreter should be
used, and it is therefore appropriate to inquire into the concerns the patient has prior to documenting
that the patient refused an interpreter. Many communities of immigrants in the US are small and
patients and interpreters may know each other socially. Patients may be concerned about
confidentiality. The best next step would be to inquire if there is an issue with this interpreter and if the
patient might be more comfortable with a phone interpreter. This would be best done with the
interpreter out of the room. If the patient denies issues with this interpreter, and does not want to use
a phone interpreter it would be reasonable to inform the patient that for your own comfort you always
have a trained medical interpreter available. Asking the interpreter for input when the patient is not
present may be helpful, but would not be the next best step.

Reference: Juckett G, Unger K. Appropriate use of medical interpreters. Am Fam Physician 2014; 90(7):
476-480.

Which of the following is not a legal requirement for US health care providers and institutions?

A. Offer free language assistance to individuals who have limited or no English proficiency
B. Offer free sign language interpretation to a deaf individual
C. Inform all individuals of the availability of language assistance services clearly and in their
preferred language.
D. Ensure the competence of individuals providing language assistance, recognizing that the
use of untrained individuals should be avoided.
E. Provide easy-to-understand written materials and signage for persons of all languages
seen at that institution

The correct answer is E

All of the above are legal requirements for US health care providers and institutions except for providing
easy-to-understand written materials and signage for of all languages seen. Ideally health care providers
and institutions should have easy to understand written materials in the common primary languages of
their patients. A requirement that they have materials for all patients see could be an impossible
burden for providers and institutions when over 100 languages are commonly seen in the US.
Reference: Chen AH, Youdelman MK, Brooks J. The legal framework for language access in healthcare
settings: Title VI and beyond. J Gen Intern Med 2007; 22 (Suppl 2): 362-367.