Saint Francis Care Medical Center, Hartford, CT
A Research Simulation with Ob/Gyn Residents to Assess Current Language Service Practices

Abstract

Background: Saint Francis Care has a commitment to the highest levels of quality and safety, with emphasis on the critical domains of communication, teamwork, transition in care, medication use, and minimally invasive procedures. Health equity is a board-level priority, and effective communication, including appropriate language services, is an equity and safety concern. Enhancing access to appropriate language services is a systemwide initiative, led by the Curtis D. Robinson Center for Health Equity, a Saint Francis institute. As part of that effort, an education, simulation, and evaluation activity with Ob/Gyn residents served as an initial demonstration for systemwide implementation.

Methods: The specific target was to enhance the use of the Martti video remote interpreter device to improve the services for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). Fifteen Ob/Gyn residents participated in a pretest session, an educational session, and a simulation activity in which 5 residents worked with a patient with LEP and accessed language services. The remaining 10 residents served as observers, participated in a discussion assessing the activity and current hospital medical standards, and provided recommendations for other training focused on language services. Following the discussion, a posttest about the Martti video remote interpreter device was administered.

Results: A total of 5/5 residents used the Martti video remote interpreter device within 1 minute of a patient encounter; 2/5 residents accurately reached the diagnosis; 3/5 residents continued interaction with patient throughout the encounter; and 2/5 residents checked to see whether there were questions regarding the diagnosis. No residents accurately described the Martti process using the translation service. A total of 3/5 residents described Martti prior to having the translator present; 7/15 residents improved their scores from preassessment to postassessment; and 6/15 scores remained the same.

Conclusions: Issues with language and communication between physicians and patients have been identified as potential barriers to providing equitable care. Our project increased awareness about the importance of language services in our hospital.