Improving confidence utilizing interpreters through a webinar training modality

Problem: Language barriers in the U.S. contribute to health disparities, while professional interpreters improve outcomes. Inefficient interpreter use, however, may negatively impact care. Enhancing midwestern Cooperative Extension's employees' confidence in interpreter use may improve education delivery. This study examines whether webinar training on effective interpreter use improves educators' confidence compared to standard practice without training. Purpose: This Quality Improvement project addresses insufficient standardized interpreter training among Extension staff. Employees report low confidence in interpreter use, impacting education delivery. The goal is to enhance staff confidence and prioritize language access and cultural competency in policies. Methods: A 15-minute educational webinar covering interpretation modes, evidence-based resources, and best practices was developed and shared via email with Extension staff. A recruitment flyer encouraged participation, and quick response codes linked to pre- and post-surveys. Results: The webinar had a positive impact, with most participants demonstrating improvement. Of 39 attendees, 29 completed both pre- and post-surveys, while 10 had missing responses. A focus group (n = 15) was conducted two months later. A paired t-test showed significant improvement (t (56) = -3.79, p < 0.001), with mean scores increasing from 8.69 (SD = ⁸́₍13.29) to 11.76 (SD = ⁸́₍5.76). Key focus group themes included resources, diversity, communication, interpreter access, dialects, cultural competency, and training methods. Conclusions: Integrating interpreter training into professional development and prioritizing language access in policies can enhance Extension's outreach, improving communication and equitable services for Michigan's refugee and immigrant populations.

Authors dc:creator

• Hamed, Yousra (Nurse practitioner)
• VanDyke, Anna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Schrader, Kara

• Home economics extension workers--In-service training
• Nutrition extension work
• Immigrants--Services for
• Refugees--Services for
• Translating services

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

dnp:80
oclc:1569639947
local:R_7sLGJn4jpYTMbxT

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:d.lib.msu.edu:dnp_80