Working effectively with interpreters: A model curriculum for physician assistant students

Abstract

Background: Effective patient-provider communication is crucial to achieving good health care outcomes. To accomplish this with patients of limited English proficiency, learning to work effectively with interpreters is essential.

Aims: The primary goal of this study was to determine if physician assistant students could effectively use interpreters to communicate with Spanish speaking patients after implementation of a cultural competency and Medical Spanish curriculum.

Method: In year one of a three year implementation process, a module for teaching students to work effectively with interpreters was developed and implemented in the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Department of Physician Assistant Studies. After four hours of orientation, practice and role play, students were observed and recorded during a standardized patient assessment and evaluated by clinicians as well as by trained, bi-lingual evaluators.

Results: In the Class of 2007, 94% (43 students) and in the Class of 2008, 96% (47 students) demonstrated competence.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight the feasibility and usefulness of training students to work effectively with interpreters. Evaluation and feedback from students and faculty have been positive. Cost for this curriculum enhancement was reasonable, making it feasible to introduce the training into a wide variety of medical and allied health programs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gail S. Marion

GAIL MARION, PA-C, PhD is Associate Professor with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Family & Community Medicine. She is Principal or Co-Investigator on multiple medical student, resident and PA education grants. Her teaching and research focuses on using patient-centered communication to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Carol A. Hildebrandt

CAROL HILDEBRANDT, BA is a Project Manager with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Family & Community Medicine on medical student and PA education grants.

Stephen W. Davis

STEPHEN DAVIS, MA is an Assistant Professor with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Family & Community Medicine.

Antonio J. Marín

ANTONIO MARÍN, MA is a trained interpreter, community organizer and Project Manager on the Justice and Health for Latino Poultry Workers Project (JUSTA).

Sonia J. Crandall

SONIA CRANDALL, PhD is a Professor with Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Family & Community Medicine and Principal or Co-Investigator on several medical student and PA education grants.