Original Research
Background: This study tested a process to qualify bilingual staff as medical interpreters at a large community health center. Bilingual employees (137 mostly heritage Spanish speaking individuals) completed a survey, self-rated their Spanish ability by taking a formal general Spanish language test and a formal medical interpretation test. Participants then completed a 40-hour online course and then repeated the medical interpretation test. 87 employees completed all steps.
What This Study Found:
Heritage Spanish speakers had limited ability to predict their general Spanish proficiency.
After completing the online course, average interpretation scores improved significantly.
Higher general oral proficiency predicted higher post-course interpreting scores. Those with lower proficiency were more likely to drop out.
Overall, 72% of participants who completed training achieved qualified interpreter status.
Implications: This study evaluated an innovative approach to address the high need for qualified medical interpreters by leveraging the unique linguistic and cultural strengths of existing heritage-speaking staff.
Medical Interpreting in Primary Care: Design and Validation of a Replicable Training Program
D. Mike Hardin Jr., MD, et al
Waco Family Medicine – Institute, Waco, Texas
The Annals of Family Medicine
Innovative Strategy Trains Bilingual Clinic Staff as Dual-Role Medical Interpreters to Bridge Language Gaps in Primary Care
24-Nov-2025