PP905 - Language Barriers: An Analysis of Spanish Language Interpreter Services in Audiology

Abstract: Limited English proficiency is a significant barrier that impedes effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients. In hearing healthcare, there is a scarcity of bilingual providers and few resources for Spanish-speaking individuals; thus, it is instrumental to find more efficient ways for patients and audiologists to communicate. This study sought to understand how interpreter word selection influenced message delivery from audiologists to Spanish-speaking patients. Findings illuminating communication breakdowns between patients and providers resulting in inequities within hearing healthcare will be discussed.

Summary: Of an estimated 40.6 million foreign-born individuals in the United States, about half cannot communicate adequately with a clinician (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014). Limited English proficiency is a significant barrier that impedes effective communication between healthcare professionals and their patients (Gerchow et al., 2021; Jacobs et al., 2006; Q. Lu et al., 2021). The inability to interact within the healthcare system results in healthcare disparities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Hearing loss creates an additional barrier for many of these individuals, further complicating communication breakdowns between patients and providers (Cudmore et al., 2017). Moreover, few interventions are available to assist individuals with language barriers in clinical settings beyond matching individuals with healthcare providers that speak their primary language or utilizing an interpreter (Arnold et al., 2019). In hearing healthcare, there is a scarcity of bilingual care providers and few resources for Spanish-speaking individuals; thus, it is instrumental to find more efficient ways for patients and audiologists to communicate (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association {ASHA}, 2020). To date, no studies have investigated the effectiveness of English-to-Spanish interpretation specific to audiology and the possible effects on access to hearing healthcare services. Using a mixed-method design, this study sought to understand how interpreter word selection influences message delivery from the audiologist to a Spanish-speaking patient. To eliminate bias and ensure consistency between subjects, a scripted video was created to elicit English-to-Spanish responses from medical interpreters (Marja & Suvi, 2020). Data at the phrase level (n = 117) were collected from nine participants during semi-structured Zoom interviews. Each participant provided demographic information and answered follow-up questions to contextualize language choices. Phrases were analyzed using deductive analysis (Arnold et al., 2020) and ranking (Flores et al., 2012 & Gany et al., 2007) methodology. Triangulation of data was performed using more than one Spanish-proficient individual to confirm translations, validate findings, and minimize the risk of mistranslation during backward translation. Additionally, translators were blinded during backward translation to eliminate biases when comparing the original and final English texts. Translators discussed any differences and inconsistencies between translations, and the principal investigator made all final determinations. Data analysis is in progress but will be completed by the presentation. Preliminary findings address inequities within hearing healthcare provision, illuminating communication breakdown between the patient and provider. The poster will also include information about suggestions when working with interpreters in the audiology clinic.