Language Project

Limited English proficiency is a key access barrier to quality health care in the United States. SAHI is working with the Language Initiative of CIH to document the impact of the language barrier on health care for South Asians. We recently concluded an experimental study of standardized medical interpreting training on medical interpreting errors, by comparing trained and untrained interpreters, using identical content for analysis. Interpreted encounters with identical scripts were recorded and transcribed. Using an "Error Analysis Tool," bilingual medical providers and linguists scored the transcripts for concepts conveyed, and interpreting errors made, including their clinical severity. The results show that untrained interpreters were significantly more likely to have concepts with moderate or greater medical error than were trained interpreters. The study provides data on the importance of training medical interpreters to minimize the risk for errors in the interpreted medical encounter.

Through the CIH, SAHI has conducted training for medical interpreters in Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali. Trainings are available in these, and additional South Asian, languages. Finally, providers are trained in Working with Interpreters and the Cross Cultural Medical Interview for South Asian patients.

For further information on our Language Project, or to schedule training sessions, please contact:

Karen Rochford
karen.rochford@med.nyu.edu
(212) 263-8783