Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Hardwick Johnson

Committee Member

Davaa Ulzii

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

Language barriers, medical interpreters, healthcare, Limited English Proficient, clinical setting.

Abstract

The problem addressed in the study was the lack of interpreting services in the clinical settings and lack of ability to meet the needs of the Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients. The purpose of the study was to understand the learned experiences, challenges, opportunities, and triumphs faced by medical interpreters working with LEP (Spanish) patients in the clinical settings to provide better services to these patients. The study employed a qualitative approach and a phenomenological research design. Dath were collected in Zoom interviews using the In-Depth Interview Protocol. The protocol had validity and reliability established with a formative and a summative committee that included university professors and medical interpreters. Data analysis involved transcribing the interview responses, searching the interview responses for themes, and using these themes to answer the research questions.

The five participants were qualified and certified medical interpreters who worked as professional medical interpreters for at least 3 years. They were identified through posted communication requesting participants in interpreter forums, conferences, LinkedIn interpreter pages, Facebook groups, and medical interpreter professional organizations. Research Question 1 was, what core factors do educated, trained, and certified professional interpreters in the healthcare/clinical settings identify as attributing to not meeting the needs and demands of language access for LEP patients? Themes suggested some core factors were a national lack of certified interpreters, insufficient focus on continuing education, no practicums for medical interpreter trainees, and medical practitioners consistently interrupt interpreters. Research Question 2 was, what factors impacted interpreters’ experiences on decision-making style and provided a deeper understanding of their knowledge, skill, and their linguistic and cultural competency in the medical interpreting encounters? Themes indicated the factors were prepare for specialization in various medical interpreting areas; reluctantly intervene when medical providers’ instructions are miscommunicated to patients; and educate me on complex medical topics with notetaking. Research Question 3 was, what are factors internally and externally affecting the problem interpreters’ experience with the lack of 24/7 interpreting services in the healthcare/clinical settings? Themes indicated the factors encompassed structural cultural differences in the Spanish and American medical systems, medical Interpreters’ burnout, and vague and misinterpreted words by medical providers lead to clinical errors.

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