Written by Kimi Dunbar
Spoon Feed
Alterations in interpretation during family-centered rounds are common and have a negative impact. Clinician behaviors, such as number of sentences spoken prior to pausing for interpretation, can lower the frequency of alterations.
Synopsis
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of medical team communication practices on interpreter accuracy during family-centered rounds (FCRs) involving Spanish-speaking families. Using an observational design, researchers analyzed 529 interpreter-supported FCR segments for alterations (omissions, substitutions, and additions). Results showed that 72% of interpreted segments contained alterations, with omissions being most common (46%). Negative impacts, such as loss of biomedical information, occurred in 29% of segments, while positive impacts were noted in 9%. Limitations include a single-site design and focus on Spanish interpretation. The study highlights the need for improved interpreter integration and adherence to best practices during FCRs. (AI-assisted)
Keep it short and sweet
This is a small qualitative study that analyzed 10 family centered rounds encounters with an in-person Spanish interpreter at a single site. Given the size and scope of the study, I worry about generalizability in broader settings; however, the findings are relatable. Authors found more alterations as the number of sentences spoken by the clinician increased prior to pausing for interpretation. Frequency of omission increased from 35% when one sentence was spoken to 52% when two sentences were spoken and 81% if three or more sentences were spoken. Further, authors found that when empathetic or relationship-building sentences were coupled with sentences containing medical information, relationship-building sentences were more likely to be omitted. In the future, I will be separating sentences focused on relationship-building or empathy from medical information in order to ensure their interpretation. Unfortunately, phone and video interpretation and interpretation in a language other than Spanish were not included in this study. I personally find these encounters to be the most challenging – while some of the principles from this study apply, I hope there are future studies to inform best practices in these situations.
Source
Medical Team Practices and Interpreter Alterations on Family-Centered Rounds. Hosp Pediatr. 2024 Nov 1;14(11):861-868. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2024-007944. PMID: 39429006
