Satisfaction with methods of spanish interpretation in an ambulatory care clinic

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To describe the utilization of various methods of language interpretation by Spanish-speaking patients in an academic medical clinic and to determine patients' and physicians' satisfaction with these methods. METHODS:Survey administered to medical residents and Spanish-speaking patients asking about their experience and satisfaction with various methods of language interpretation.MAIN RESULTS: Both patients and residents had the highest level of satisfaction for professional interpreters (92.4% vs 96.1% reporting somewhat or very satisfactory, p ‫؍‬ .17). In contrast, patients were significantly more satisfied than residents with using family members and friends (85.1% vs 60.8%, p Ͻ .01). Physicians and patients agreed that accuracy, accessibility, and respect for confidentiality were highly important characteristics of interpreters ( Ͼ 90% of both groups reporting somewhat or very important). However, patients were more concerned than residents about the ability of the interpreter to assist them after the physician visit (94% vs 45.1%, p Ͻ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Using family members and friends as interpreters for Spanish-speaking patients should be more seriously considered; however, in order to optimize patient satisfaction, differences between patients and providers should be taken into account when using interpretation in medical settings.

Spanish-speaking patients’ satisfaction with clinical pharmacists’ communication skills and demonstration of cultural sensitivity

“…Similarly, the ability to understand and support the use of traditional Latino folk medicines, such as complementary and alternative medicines, has been shown to be important to Latino patients. 40 While the perceptions of pharmacy services and the importance of cultural normative values and the use of traditional Latino medicines may vary among Spanishspeaking patients, 35,41 it is important to determine patterns of satisfaction with pharmacy services among Latinos; especially in Texas, where it is estimated that 36.9% of Texans are of Latino origin. 42 It is also important to assess the differences in satisfaction among subgroups of Spanish-speaking Latinos in Texas; therefore, perceptions of Spanish-speaking patients from the Latino-populated city of Austin (30.5%) 42 were assessed.…”

“…98,107 For example, both the Latino patients who utilized folk medicine and those who utilized western medicine solely expressed the desire for providers to be more knowledgeable and more willing to prescribe herbal treatments. 40 Even though the literature shows that pharmacists' carry an overall neutral attitude toward cultural sensitivity, 119 the importance of the healthcare provider's ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward Latino patients regarding normative cultural values and the use of Latino folk medicine has been documented. 29,40 Past research has supported the existence of relationships between Latino patients' satisfaction and both the healthcare providers' provision of medical services and cultural sensitivity.…”

“…35,39,40,52,53,102,135,[137][138][139][140] Therefore, the purpose of this study will be to assess LEP Spanish-speaking patients' satisfaction with their clinic pharmacists' communication skills and demonstration of cultural sensitivity, while controlling for important satisfaction, sociodemographic, clinical, and communication factors.…”

Descriptive translation studies of audiovisual translation

“…Fagan et al 2003, Jones et al 2003, Kuo & Fagan 1999, Lee et al 2002 and video connections (cf. Jones et al 2003, Paras et al 2002) -all in medical encounters -are difficult to compare because of a great variance in the conditions under which they were conducted.…”

Interpreter Services in Emergency Medicine

“…01) because the family members and friends could continue to assist the patient at home after the physician encounter. (15) The decision to use an ad hoc interpreter vs. a professional is often based on the perceived pros and cons thereof. Busy medical personnel may not justify the investment of time and effort to get a trained interpreter to a patient's bedside for a routine problem or procedure.…”