Working with the Hmong Population in a Genetics Setting: an Interpreter Perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Genetics
• Health Communication
• Sociolinguistics

Background:

• Effective communication is vital in genetic counseling, especially for non-native English speakers.
• Hmong patients often require medical interpreters for genetic services.
• Understanding interpreter experiences is key to improving healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe medical interpreter experiences with genetic providers serving Hmong patients.
• To identify challenges and necessary knowledge/support for interpreters in genetics.
• To explore cultural and stylistic considerations for effective cross-cultural genetic communication.

Main Methods:

• Pilot qualitative study utilizing telephone interviews.
• Six Hmong medical interpreters from Wisconsin and Minnesota participated.
• Interpreters had experience with various genetic providers.

Main Results:

• Key challenges included time constraints, technical genetics terminology, and Hmong cultural perspectives.
• Interpreters perceived their primary role as verbatim translation, with variations in style and other perceived roles.
• Identified needs included provider awareness of cultural issues and interpreter styles.

Conclusions:

• Genetics providers need to understand cultural nuances and interpreter dynamics when working with Hmong patients.
• Enhanced training and support for medical interpreters can improve genetic service delivery.
• Addressing these factors is essential for equitable and effective genetic healthcare access.