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Using Professionally Trained Interpreters to Increase Patient/Provider Satisfaction: Does It Work?
Publication Date: February 2010
Author(s): Ann Bagchi; Ann Bagchi; Ann Bagchi; Ann Bagchi
Topic: Health (Hospitals and other health care facilities)
Keywords: Trained Interpreters; Emergency Department; Health; English Speakers
Type: Brief
Coverage: United States
Abstract:
Communication between patients and providers is critical in hospital emergency departments, but most interpretive services for non-English speakers--often provided via telephone or ad hoc by untrained bilingual staff or family member(s)--vary in quality. This issue brief identifies how professional interpreters improve communication and, consequently, patient and provider satisfaction in the emergency department.