By Kat Jackson, VP Language Operations, AMN Language Services
LinkedIn: AMN Healthcare
LinkedIn: Kathryn Jackson CI, CT, NIC M
The role of a medically trained interpreter is nothing short of essential in such a growing and diverse world. With language barriers often standing in the way of quality care, these interpreters ensure that every patient, regardless of their native language, can have equal access to healthcare. By making medically trained interpreters a vital part of the care team, we can create a more equitable healthcare environment, one that leads to improved patient outcomes and fosters mutual understanding.
Normalizing the use of interpreters within healthcare is essential — a triadic relationship involving patients, clinical/physician staff, and healthcare stakeholders. Engaging medically trained interpreters can foster cultural humility and help close care gaps within the healthcare model, benefiting all parties involved. It is also good governance, especially given all the recent rules and regulations addressing health equity.
For example, the implementation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires that entities receiving federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including physicians, take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).
This may set the policy for what inclusive healthcare should look like, but it doesn’t necessarily address the positive impact that these changes can have on the physicians or the business of healthcare. This is where a triadic relationship model comes into play, providing a sustainable and effective method for evaluating the effect of interpreters on the care ecosystem.
Let’s explore the three areas that make up the triatic relationship.
Patients: Enhancing Patient Satisfaction: For patients, the presence of interpreters significantly enhances satisfaction. Effective communication through interpreters allows patients to better convey their symptoms, treatment plans, and concerns, leading to a clearer understanding of diagnoses and treatment options. This reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and medical errors, contributing to improved care quality. Interpreters also help patients feel more connected and involved in their care, which enhances their satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans. When patients feel understood and respected, their dignity, autonomy, and trust are upheld, resulting in a more customized and personalized care experience.
Clinicians/Physicians: Improving Clinical Efficiency: Clinicians and physicians also benefit from the inclusion of interpreters. The ability to deliver high-quality care without the added stress of language barriers enhances clinical efficiency. Additionally, interpreters help bridge cultural nuances that might otherwise hinder understanding, enabling providers to better interpret patients’ needs, concerns, and preferences within their cultural context. This cultural insight further supports more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans, fostering a more holistic approach to patient care. Providers can be certainly be more productive too — seeing more patients and building stronger connections, because they know their communication is clear and effective. This not only reduces the risk of burnout but also contributes to overall job satisfaction. Improved communication and efficiency help retain healthcare providers in the field, ensuring a stable and dedicated workforce.
Shareholders: A Cost-Effective Solution: Healthcare stakeholders gain from this approach as well. Incorporating interpreters into the care team can have a significant financial impact. Clear communication reduces the need for unnecessary diagnostic tests and readmissions, which can be financially burdensome for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients benefit from fewer misunderstandings and more efficient care, ultimately lowering their healthcare costs. In the US, approximately one-fifth of the population communicates in languages other than English within their homes. Patients facing linguistic challenges often witness diminished quality outcomes, reflected in statistics such as an extended length of stay at the hospital by 1.5 days and a 9.4 percent higher readmission rate compared to English-speaking counterparts. This ultimately is costly.
Going beyond mere compliance, a robust language access plan offers tangible financial benefits, in addition to improved outcomes for patients. From a stakeholder perspective, this approach maintains quality, cost efficiency, and equity in patient care. Positive patient-related outcome measures, such as satisfaction surveys and reimbursement opportunities, reflect the benefits of using interpreters.
Conclusion:
By considering the perspectives of patients, clinicians, and healthcare stakeholders, it is evident that the use of medically qualified interpreters is vital for achieving health equity. This triadic relationship approach ensures that cultural responsiveness and language access are embedded within the healthcare model, enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of care delivery. By including medically trained interpreters as part of the care team, we not only meet the immediate needs of patients but also create a foundation for long-term success and health equity.
As we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, it’s important to recognize that how we deliver care is just as important as what we do. By intentionally and strategically including interpreters, we can provide care that is not only high in quality but also demonstrates empathy and respect for our diverse patient population.