A Conduit for a Culturally Competent Consent

Abstract

Objective: To understand medical interpreter’s perspectives on surgical informed consent discussions and provide feedback for surgeons on improving these conversations. Summary Background Data: Informed consent is a critical component of patient-centered surgical decision-making. For patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), this conversation may be less thorough, even with a medical interpreter, leaving patients with an inadequate understanding of their diagnosis or treatment options. Methods: A semi-structured interview guide was developed with input from interpreters and a qualitative research expert. We purposively sampled medical interpreters representing multiple languages until thematic saturation was achieved. Participants discussed their experience with the surgical consent discussion and process. Interview transcripts were analyzed using emergent thematic analysis. Results: Among 22 interpreters, there were ten languages represented and an average experience of 15 years (range 4-40 y). Four major themes were identified. First, interpreters consistently described their roles as patient advocates and cultural brokers. Second, interpreters reported unique patient attributes that influence the discussion, often based on patients’ cultural values/expectations, anticipated decisional autonomy, and family support. Third, interpreters emphasized the importance of surgeons demonstrating compassion and patience, using simple terminology, conversing around the consent, providing context about the form/process, and initiating a pre-encounter discussion. Finally, interpreters suggested reducing legal terminology on consent forms and translation into other languages. Conclusions: Experienced interpreters highlighted multiple factors associated with effective and culturally tailored informed consent discussions. Surgeons should recognize interpreters’ critical and complex roles, be cognizant of cultural variations among patients with LEP, and improve interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate effective understanding.

A Randomized Crossover Trial Evaluating the Impact of Cultural Dexterity Training on Surgical Residents’ Knowledge, Cross-Cultural Care, Skills, and Beliefs

“…Our results demonstrate that the PACTS curriculum can prepare surgical residents to work with patients with LEP and with medical interpreters, who play an integral role as patient advocates and cultural brokers for patients. 41 After receiving the PACTS curriculum, Early site residents reported an increase in their self-assessed skills and beliefs related to cross-cultural care, without a statistically significant change in their knowledge scores. Notably, Early site residents' baseline scores in knowledge regarding caring for patients with LEP or pain management remained low.…”