Second National Conference on
Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations:
Strategy and Action for Communities, Providers, and a Changing Health System

Perception of Need for Linguistic Interpreters in Medical Settings and Effects on Implementing Programs

I carried out an exploratory and descriptive study in the Southeast Heights of Albuquerque, New Mexico, which addressed the perceived need for linguistic interpreters in medical settings. There were five groups of participants with five people in each group interviewed individually: administrators, medical providers, social workers, linestaff and community advocates who all work within or are in contact with (regarding community advocates) medical settings. Results of this study will be presented.

Included in the research is a broad analysis of how language can be one of many barriers to minority health. Laws, policies and standards regarding interpreter services are presented. Also, discussed are arguments for and against interpretation and different methods of linguistic interpretation that are implemented in medical settings. The research was successful in raising awareness about the need for linguistic interpreters. All participants were given information packets that included information on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and how it relates to Limited English Proficiency persons. Samples of packets will be available for viewing.

The challenges faced in conducting the study will be presented, such as how anonymity was assured so that participants would be honest in their responses. Also presented will be the limitations of the study and recommendations for future research projects.

The results of the study are important because they illustrate the need for education, advocacy and policymaking regarding cultural and linguistic competence. The results also highlight how the perception of need for interpreters could influence the inception of policies or programs targeting cultural and linguistic competence. Innovative ideas on how to address these issues will be presented.

Natalie Martsh, MSW recently completed her Masters in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University. During the program she interned at a hospital where she witnessed the need for interpreters firsthand. Now, Ms. Martsh acts as an advocate for Community Health Partnership in Albuquerque, New Mexico and she is an active member on a newly formed alliance (Alliance for Culturally Responsive Care) of which she was one of the founders. Natalie studied policy and legislation around language and interpretation specifically in medical settings for my Masters ÏthesisÓ. She also attended a commentary session in Chicago that was set up by the Office of Minority Health regarding cultural and linguistic competency in healthcare. Currently, Ms. Martsh is working on a grant proposal to begin a program that provides education to health and social service agencies as to their responsibility to provide linguistic competent services and teach how to create or improve their already existing services.

Natalie A. Martsh, MSW
Advocate
Community Health Partnership
1411 White Rock Plaza, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Phone: (505) 293-9137
Email: nmartsh@hotmail.com

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