Experiences of Medical Interpreters During Palliative Care Encounters With LEP Patients
There are many challenges in communication and cultural barriers for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) living with serious illnesses. Palliative care utilization among this population remains limited, and the experiences of medical interpreters during palliative care encounters remain understudied.
This qualitative study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine used semistructured video interviews with interpreters working at an academic medical center to explore interpreters' observations and experiences during palliative care encounters with LEP patients. Researchers then performed thematic analysis of the interview content and identified actionable barriers to incorporating palliative care into care of patients with LEP.