Interpreters' experiences of participating in an introduction course in the healthcare sector. An ethnographic field observation study

Aim: We aimed to explore how interpreters experienced being part of a special designed health introduction course and to obtain their perspectives on the learning process. The overall aim was to improve health care to patients with language barriers. Design: With a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, we used participant observations as a method for collecting data. Method: The teaching methods used were case-based learning, role-play and active involvement including dialogs, discussions and critical reflections. The interpreters were divided into teams of 10-15 interpreters. Over the duration of 6 weeks, teaching sessions were conducted, with 3 hr/week planned. Results: The findings emphasize the importance of providing the interpreters with education, supervision and a work environment where they can confidentially share and get competent feedback on their experiences and linguistic skills, in order to ensure patients get the correct information in their native language.

Automated summary

The study aimed to explore interpreters' experiences in a health introduction course to improve healthcare for patients with language barriers. Teaching methods included case-based learning and role-play. Results emphasized the importance of providing education and supervision for interpreters to ensure patients receive accurate information.