In healthcare, language barriers between patients and providers lead to high-stakes interactions every day. From conveying care instructions to making life-and-death treatment decisions, certified medical interpreters have the critical responsibility to provide timely, accurate interpretation.
The hard truth is that not all interpreters are created equal. While they offer the same basic service, each brings their own level of individual expertise to the table. Below, we’ll explore the difference between a highly qualified medical interpreter and a minimum certified medical interpreter.
A highly qualified medical interpreter requires more than fluency
At the most basic level, interpretation bridges a communication gap by translating words from one language to another. But language is complex and nuanced. That’s where working with an experienced, certified medical interpreter can make a big difference. A highly qualified medical interpreter should understand:
Medical language and culture: When interpreters are solely focused on serving healthcare organizations, they become familiar with medical terminology in both languages across a variety of specialties. The more an interpreter works with patients and providers, the more they understand the medical culture – from oncology and emergency medicine to orthopedics and podiatry.
Cultural differences: Great interpreters are sensitive to the differences between diverse cultures. This awareness allows interpreters to act as a cultural broker, bridging the gap between both language and worldviews to convey the right meaning.
Colloquial language: An experienced interpreter knows that the same word can carry different meanings depending on a patient’s native country. Over time, interpreters gain a deeper knowledge of both culture and language that can help prevent errors caused by misinterpretations.
Empathy: Certified medical interpreters are often tasked with interpreting for patients who are scared, confused and vulnerable. In these difficult situations, an experienced interpreter can establish a sense of trust between the patient and provider. Whether that includes reading a patient’s nonverbal cues or pausing the conversation to provide added clarity, the result is the same: Improved communication and a better patient experience.
Industry standards can provide minimum certified medical interpreters
To become a certified medical interpreter in the United States, there are two primary requirements1:
- Oral language proficiency, demonstrated in both English and the target language for interpretation
- A minimum of 40 hours of medical interpreter training
While these standards help ensure that an interpreter is both fluent in the language and familiar with basic medical terminology, 40 hours of medical training only scratches the surface of what an interpreter may need to know to effectively bridge the communication gap between a patient and provider.
One study found that interpreters who received at least 100 hours of training in medical interpreting (as opposed to the minimum 40) had nearly two-thirds fewer errors than those with less training2. Of those errors, the proportion with potential clinical consequences was 2% for interpreters with 100 hours of training, compared with 12% for interpreters with less training.
To further complicate matters, many interpreters might earn the certified medical interpreter credential, but still offer interpretation services across a wide variety of industries. That means a single interpreter could provide interpretation services for a bank, a cable company, and a hospital system – all in the same day. Serving a broad range of industries in this manner may reduce the per-minute cost of interpretation, but it also sacrifices the in-depth knowledge and unique skillsets honed through dedicated medical interpretation.
Benefits of using a highly qualified certified medical interpreter
Utilizing highly qualified certified medical interpreters can offer a better interpretation experience for patients and providers alike. This results in:
Shorter encounters: Experienced medical interpreters often don’t need to ask clarifying questions to providers because they’re already familiar with the terminology being used. This results in faster, more accurate translations and shorter visits, which improve staff and provider efficiency – saving time and money.
Improved legal compliance: Offering interpreter services is mandated by law as a civil right for patients who are Limited English Proficiency (LEP), deaf, or hard of hearing. If poor interpretation results in a medical mistake or misdiagnosis, hospitals and health systems can become vulnerable to medical lawsuits, some of which may not be covered by malpractice insurance.
Better outcomes: When LEP patients can effectively communicate with their providers, they are more likely to understand how to manage their conditions, take medications and follow up if symptoms return. Studies show that readmission rates are 9.4% higher when an LEP patient does not have access to an interpreter during admission and discharge3.
To learn more about how you can gain access to highly qualified certified medical interpreters, visit AMN Language Services.
Sources
1. Prerequisites. www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org. https://www.certifiedmedicalinterpreters.org/prerequisites
2. Interpreters in the ED: A Look at Errors & Consequences. Physician’s Weekly. Published August 29, 2012. Accessed November 28, 2019. https://www.physiciansweekly.com/emergency-department-interpreter-errors/
3. Lindholm M, Hargraves JL, Ferguson WJ, Reed G. Professional Language Interpretation and Inpatient Length of Stay and Readmission Rates. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2012;27(10):1294-1299. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-012-2041-5
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AMN Healthcare Language Services is the largest healthcare-exclusive interpretation service in the world. With a sole focus in healthcare, our team delivers timely, accurate interpretations and translations that improve outcomes, health equity and compliance – ensuring patients who are LEP, deaf, or hard-of-hearing receive the level of care they deserve.