Impact of Interpreters' Approach on Latinas' Use of Amniocentesis

Communication difficulties in multicultural clinical settings can be exacerbated by translators, but their actual impact on medical decisions has not been systematically evaluated. This study sought to determine the influence of translators participating in clinical encounters in which English-speak...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health education & behavior 2005-10, Vol.32 (5), p.599-612
Main Authors: Preloran, H. Mabel, Browner, C. H., Lieber, Eli
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Affective Behavior
Aged
Amniocentesis - utilization
Classification
Communication Barriers
Cultural Diversity
Decision Making
Female
Genetic Counseling - methods
Genetics
Hispanic Americans
Humans
Interpersonal communication
Interpreters
Language
Language Styles
Medical screening
Middle Aged
Patients
Physician Patient Relationship
Pregnancy
Prenatal Care
Screening Tests
Speech Communication
Statistical Analysis
Translating
Translation
Trust (Psychology)
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Summary:Communication difficulties in multicultural clinical settings can be exacerbated by translators, but their actual impact on medical decisions has not been systematically evaluated. This study sought to determine the influence of translators participating in clinical encounters in which English-speaking clinicians offered amniocentesis to Spanish-speaking women by conducting systematic observations of 61 prenatal genetic consultations and recording translators' training and background characteristics and patients' amniocentesis decisions. Translators' behavioral styles were classified according to 10 inductively determined criteria. Translators' approaches were classified as Distant, Authoritative, or Missionary. Whereas the first category remained emotionally detached, the others sought to build rapport and trust with the patient. Quantitative analysis revealed statistically significant associations between translation styles that sought to engender trust and likelihood the pregnant woman agreed to amniocentesis. The authors conclude that translators' affective approaches can influence whether patients accept or decline amniocentesis.
ISSN:1090-1981
1552-6127
DOI:10.1177/1090198105278745