The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

4042.0: Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - 9:15 AM

Abstract #72123

Multilingual communiction: Tools and strategies for health care professionals

Sheryl Taylor, MPH, Office of Community Programs, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 222 Maple Avenue, Chang Bldg, Shrewsbury, MA 01545, 508.856.3255, Sheryl.Taylor@umassmed.edu and Joanne Calista, MSW, Central Massachusetts Area Health Education Center, 4 Lancaster Terrace, Worcester, MA 01609.

Overview Culturally competent and linguistically accurate communication is a vital component in the delivery of quality healthcare. Data consistently show that linguistic, racial, and/or ethnic minorities experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality from chronic disease. As a result, the federal government issued the National Standards on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care and Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination as it Affects Person with Limited English Proficiency. The challenge for both provider education and health care administration is to develop strategies to achieve these standards. This presentation offers strategies and practical methods to address linguistic barriers to care focusing on medical interpretation and written translation. Medical Interpreting 1. The role and qualifications of medical interpreters 2. Provider training in effective triadic communication (client-provider-interpreter) as part of cultural competency training 3. Strategies in the recruitment, training, and assessment of medical interpreters 4. Medical interpreter curriculum development initiatives 5. Current state and national certification issues and efforts Written Translation 1. Assessing target populations (e.g., language dialect, country of origin, cultural norms regarding health issues, acculturation) 2. Designing format and selecting media for written patient communication (e.g. consent forms, public signage, and patient education) 3. Understanding standards of professional translation services (e.g. ATA certification) 4. Developing methods of quality assurance for written materials

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Increasing Access to Care: Examples of Public Health Practice

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA