Medical Interpreter and Language Barrier Simulations for Resident Physicians
摘要
Communication is one of the most important skills for a physician. A skilled communicator can often make a diagnosis based primarily on the history obtained from the patient or the patient’s family. Efficient communication also allows for gathering vital sociodemographic information, care coordination, and counseling to facilitate patient understanding and adherence to a treatment plan. Language barriers limit these benefits, and studies demonstrate that patients with limited English proficiency in the United States may receive lower-quality care and may be less satisfied with their care. The use of medical interpreters can mitigate many of the challenges associated with language barriers, although physicians do not universally utilize medical interpreters appropriately. This chapter will explain the importance of obtaining assistance from medical interpreters in the clinical setting. It will explain both the importance of and the appropriate methodology for the integration of medical simulation using medical interpreters into a residency curriculum.