Avoid Medical interpretation mistakes

Medical interpretation mistakes are not only costly and embarrassing, they are also threats to the health and safety of patients.

Contact Language Direct to avoid medical interpretation mistakes.

medical interpretation mistakes

A study in 2003 conducted by the Boston Medical Center Pediatrics Department focused on medical interpretation mistakes and their consequences. The study made a comparison between using professional interpreters versus ad hoc interpreters, and not using interpreters at all in the hospital setting. Six out of the thirteen cases used professional interpreters, while the rest were family members or hospital staff who served as ad hoc interpreters.

Of the 474 pages of transcribed conversations, there were 396 interpreter errors. On an average, that’s 31 mistakes in every encounter. 63% of these errors had potential medical consequences. The study also showed that ad hoc interpreters were more likely to make errors compared to professional interpreters.

52% of the errors were omission. The interpreter left out a vital piece of information. In 16% of the errors, the interpreter used a word or phrase that does not exist in the language. 13% of the errors were substitution of a word or phrase with another word or phrase. In 10% of the errors, the interpreter added his or her own opinion in the subject. Furthermore, in 8% of the errors the interpreter added a word or phrase.

What’s alarming is that the study showed that 60% of the errors made can cause serious medical or clinical consequences. Errors in interpretation can alter the original information that was intended.

A separate study on medical interpretation mistakes made in 2 hospitals in Massachusetts observed 57 encounters, where 20 were professional interpreters, 27 were ad hoc interpreters and 10 did not use interpreters at all. Of the 1,884 errors noted during the encounters, 18% had potential clinical consequences. Interestingly, the study showed that only 12% of the errors were made by professional interpreters, while 22% were made by ad hoc interpreters and 20% of errors were observed when there was no interpreter present.

The study also looked at previous hours of training made by the interpreter. It didn’t look for the years of experience, and how it affects their efficiency in the job. According to the study, interpreters with 100 hours or more of training made less median errors than those with less than 100 hours of training. 12 errors compared to 33, respectively.

Hire only professional interpreters with proper training and accreditation. Ensure that you have the best quality of interpretation. Avoid medical interpretation mistakes and hire a professional through Language Direct.

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