Compassion and Trauma: Occupational Health Experiences of Certified Medical Interpreters in Five U.S. States

Abstract

Medical interpreters play a vital role in fostering understanding and ensuring safety and transparency in healthcare for patients with non-English language preference. Limited research describes work-related experiences of medical interpreters. The purpose of this research was to explore perceptions of occupational health and safety among medical interpreters. A structured, online survey was administered to all certified medical interpreters in Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, California, and Texas. Participants described occupational experiences as an interpreter via an open-ended question. Responses were coded using qualitative thematic analysis. Response text was reviewed, a codebook of descriptive themes developed, and data thematically coded and summarized. Of 981 potential participants, 199 responded (20.3% response rate). Four main themes were identified: Professionalism and Role, Work-Related Challenges, Approaches to Mitigate Vicarious Trauma, and The Rewarding Nature of the Job. Respondents described compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, intentional emotional distancing from clients, and loneliness. Respondents identified needs for workplace support to ensure professionalism and safeguard interpreter safety. Medical interpreters appreciate their work, yet face challenges, including compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. Employers and healthcare institutions should support the occupational and emotional needs of medical interpreters as a vital member of the healthcare team.

Understanding the Experiences of Medical Interpreters in Palliative Care: An Exploration of Measurement Tools

“…In qualitative research with medical interpreters in palliative care, there has been evidence of CF and STS reported. However, this has not been demonstrated in the limited attempts to measure CF with existing tools in medical interpreters (Graves et al, 2023;James & Crawford, 2021;Silva et al, 2020). None of these tools were developed with the input of medical interpreters, so it calls into question the ability to use the tools in their present form to measure CF or STS accurately in medical interpreters in palliative care encounters.…”