Training Medical Students to Communicate with Patients Who Speak Limited English
Author Information
Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Wrench Algevis, Fine Lauren, Griffin Daniel
Primary Institution: Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
Can a workshop improve medical students' communication skills with limited English proficiency patients using medical interpreters?
Conclusion
The workshop effectively enhanced medical students' self-reported skills in communicating with Spanish-speaking patients using medical interpreters.
Supporting Evidence
- 84% of participants completed evaluations before and after the workshop.
- Participants reported a significant increase in confidence regarding the use of medical interpreters.
- 98% of participants agreed that the workshop met its objectives.
Takeaway
Medical students learned how to better talk to patients who don't speak English well by using interpreters, which helps everyone understand each other.
Methodology
A two-hour workshop with pre- and post-evaluations was conducted for first-year medical students to assess changes in their confidence and knowledge regarding medical interpreters.
Limitations
The sample size was small, and not all groups had the opportunity to simulate case scenarios due to time constraints.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":23,"female":20},"age":{"≤24":30,"25-29":12,"30-34":1},"ethnicity":{"White":20,"Asian":12,"Black or African American":4,"Hispanic or Latinx":3,"Multiracial":1,"Other":3},"Spanish_language_fluency":{"little_to_none":13,"limited":23,"proficient":2,"fluent":5}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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