This study assessed health providers’ perceptions of factors related to professional interpretation services and the association between these factors and the potential use of ad hoc interpreters.
Method:
Data were collected from a convenience sample of 150 health services providers at a large, regional health system in South Carolina.
Results:
Providers rated “ability to communicate effectively during a clinical encounter” as paramount regarding the use of interpretation services. The most important factors related to the likely use of ad hoc interpreters (cutting corners) included locating a qualified interpreter, having to wait for a qualified interpreter, and technical difficulties regarding phone and video technology.
Conclusion:
Health care organizations may benefit from increasing staff awareness about patient safety and legal and regulatory risks involved with the use of ad hoc interpreters.
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