SCCM Resource Library-Family Versus Third-Party Interpreters

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The speaker, an Associate Professor specializing in Biomedical Ethics and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, discusses the impact of language barriers on decision-making in the ICU, focusing on family versus professional interpreters. Approximately 25 million people in the U.S. have limited English proficiency, creating complexity in patient care, particularly in critical settings. Family interpreters are often used for convenience despite concerns about accuracy and potential biases. Professional interpreters provide more accurate communication, playing essential roles in safeguarding health literacy and cultural understanding. However, interpreters are underused due to lack of awareness and logistical inefficiencies. The speaker emphasizes the need for hospitals to provide language services and recommends pre-meeting with interpreters for complex cases. Research is ongoing to improve the use of interpreters through health information technology, aiming to ensure equitable and accurate healthcare communication. Overall, utilizing professional interpreters is vital for patient autonomy and equitable care.

Asset Caption

One-Hour Concurrent Session | Diversity and the Role of Cultural and Language Barriers in End-of-Life Deliberations

Meta Tag

Content Type Presentation

Membership Level Professional

Membership Level Select

Year 2024

Keywords

language barriers

ICU decision-making

professional interpreters

health literacy

equitable healthcare

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