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Effect of Language Interpreter Modalities on Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Workflow: A Pilot Study in a
Selina Juang1, Stella Nguyen1, Nada Osman1
1Pediatric Craniofacial Specialty Care Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and impact of remote consecutive, in-person consecutive, and in-person simultaneous interpreter modalities on clinical workflow, patient experience, and provider experience in a multidisciplinary pediatric craniofacial clinic.DesignMixed-methods study incorporating quantitative clinical workflow and patient survey data with qualitative semi-structured interviews.SettingSingle-site multidisciplinary pediatric craniofacial clinic at an academic medical center.Patients, ParticipantsA total of 170 patients were seen during the study period: 126 (74.1%) English-speaking (for no interpreter comparison) and 44 (25.9%) Spanish-speaking using interpreter services. A total of 105 (61.8%) patients completed voluntary patient satisfaction surveys. Sixteen craniofacial providers and four Spanish-speaking interpreters participated in interviews.InterventionsLanguage interpretation was provided via three modalities: remote (audio and video) consecutive, in-person consecutive, and in-person simultaneous.Main Outcome Measure(s)Clinic cycle time and face-to-face time; patient satisfaction scores; thematic analysis of provider and interpreter interviews.ResultsClinic time and satisfaction scores did not differ significantly across modalities. Interviews revealed that in-person interpretation supported rapport, trust, and clarity, while remote interpretation posed technical and relational challenges. Simultaneous interpretation was valued for efficiency but required greater cognitive effort from interpreters. Preferences for in-person consecutive and simultaneous interpretation varied with patient and clinic needs.ConclusionsWhile quantitative outcomes showed minimal workflow differences among interpreter modalities, qualitative findings highlight important communication benefits of in-person interpretation, especially when interpreters are experienced and integrated into the care team. Tailored interpretation approaches may better promote equitable care in multidisciplinary pediatric craniofacial settings.
