In Other Words
UMHS Interpreter Services makes high quality care possible for thousands of patients each year
Communicating with patients effectively is the foundation for making accurate diagnoses and ensuring patients comply with treatment.
When patients are unable to explain their symptoms or medical histories, doctors may need to run more tests, which may result in it taking longer to make a diagnosis. And if patients don’t understand the importance of a medication they are taking or its possible side effects, the risk of adverse outcomes is increased. All of these factors can impact the quality, cost and effectiveness of care.
But for the more than 41,000 non-English-speaking residents of Washtenaw County, and others across the state, the Health System’s Interpreter Services program can provide much-needed assistance.
“There is no substitute for taking a good history,” says Susan Blitz, M.D., M.P.H., clinical assistant professor, Internal Medicine, and medical director, Employee Health Service. “When I have to evaluate a patient who doesn't’t speak English, I prefer U-M interpreters [to family members] because they are taught to translate what’s said and they don’t put any personal ‘spin’ on the translation. The patient won’t hold back important information they may be uncomfortable saying to—or through—a family member.”
Interpreter Services began officially in 1998 in response to a growing number of requests for interpreters, most of which were for American Sign Language. Now, the program has 17 staff interpreters and 100 contracted interpreters providing services in 43 different languages. In 2006 alone, the program provided services during more than 20,000 unique patient visits.
 “Providing a comprehensive interpreter program allows us to meet the needs of our diverse community and ensure our limited-English proficient patients are adequately informed about their health care,” says Michelle Harris, director of Interpreter Services. “We plan to add another four staff interpreters this year because the volume of requests continues to grow.”
Among the most requested languages are Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and Japanese. All interpreters are screened for proficiency before being hired. Interpreters then receive a comprehensive education program that includes a 20-hour Medical Terminology and Body Systems course and continuing education in-service training. Of the total number of patients who receive interpreter services, nearly 90 percent do so while in an outpatient clinic.
ASL interpreter Chris Roy notes that these services are vital to ensuring all patients have access to important health care.
“It’s of life-and-death importance to have specially trained interpreters,” she says. “To know that I am helping a deaf client have the same access to information and communication that a hearing client would have is very satisfying.”
For more information, call 734-936-7021 or visit their Web site.
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