Utilization of Trained Medical Interpreters: Results of a survey

The regional AHEC offices have been the traditional vehicle of dissemination for the medical interpreter training program sponsored by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The medical interpreter training program was a response by the Office of Medicaid to MassHealth providers that had difficulty providing quality care services to the limited English speaking patients. The idea of hiring a dedicated full-time or part-time interpreter for this provider pool wasn't even a possibility due to limited budgets. The Commonwealth responded with the assistance of the Office of Community Programs and the Mass Health Access Programs to provide training for qualified bilingual employees to receive interpreter skill training as well as to reinforce their medical terminology language base in the source and target language. To date the AHECs have trained over 1000 interpreters throughout the Commonwealth and other states.

A multi-tool survey implemented during a period of six months. Surveys were collected electronically and on paper. Links to the survey were disseminated via email to all former graduates of our programs according to our enrollment database. Letters and paper surveys were distributed to stakeholders to promote awareness.

Based on results, we are able to conclude that we are reaching the desired market of employees. The curriculum is reaching the needs of the participants. Finally as a result of training dual role employees and others, we are addressing the initial need raised by providers to be able to communicate with their limited English speaking patients to provide quality health care.