Creating and Evaluating Skills-Based Training in Working with Spoken-Language Interpreters for Oral Health...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Education
• Medical Communication
• Oral Health Professions

Background:

• Effective communication is vital for oral health professionals in multicultural societies.
• Working with spoken-language interpreters is a critical skill for addressing the needs of limited English proficient (LEP) patients.
• Existing training for healthcare providers on interpreter utilization is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a training program for oral health professions students on effective collaboration with interpreters.
• To enhance students' understanding of best practices when working with interpreters and LEP patients.
• To assess the impact of training on students' confidence and skills in interpreter-assisted care.

Main Methods:

• An elective three-hour training program was developed and delivered to dental, dental hygiene, and dental therapy students.
• Participants completed pre- and post-training surveys assessing familiarity and confidence in working with interpreters and LEP patients.
• A comparison group of students who did not receive training was included for data analysis.
• Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups with training participants.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) were observed in participants' self-ratings across all seven survey questions post-training.
• Trained students reported increased familiarity with best practices for providers and interpreters and enhanced confidence in their skills.
• Focus groups highlighted the relevance, necessity, and effective learning format of the training as key success factors.

Conclusions:

• The designed training program effectively improved oral health students' knowledge, skills, and confidence in working with spoken-language interpreters.
• Simulation and tailored educational experiences are valuable for developing essential skills for diverse patient populations.
• This initiative underscores the importance of preparing future oral health professionals for effective communication in multicultural healthcare environments.