Interpreters' experiences of participating in an introduction course in the healthcare sector. An ethnographic field observation study

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to explore how interpreters experienced being part of a special designed health introduction course and to obtain their perspectives on the learning process. The overall aim was to improve health care to patients with language barriers. Design: With a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, we used participant observations as a method for collecting data. Method: The teaching methods used were case-based learning, role-play and active involvement including dialogs, discussions and critical reflections. The interpreters were divided into teams of 10–15 interpreters. Over the duration of 6 weeks, teaching sessions were conducted, with 3 hr/week planned. Results: The findings emphasize the importance of providing the interpreters with education, supervision and a work environment where they can confidentially share and get competent feedback on their experiences and linguistic skills, in order to ensure patients get the correct information in their native language.