Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

First Advisor

Dr. Deepikia Goyal, PhD, FNP-C

Second Advisor

Dr. Jo Loomis, DNP, FNP-C, CHSE, CLC, ANLC, NCMP, CNL

Abstract

The Impact of Utilizing Medical Interpreters and Associated Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Background: In the United States, approximately 21% of households speak a language other than English, emphasizing the need for accessible language services for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Problem: Despite legal mandates, medical interpreters remain underutilized, leading to adverse health outcomes, such as misunderstanding discharge instructions, medication use, and disease processes.

Methods: This DNP student-led evidence-based project explored barriers to medical interpreter utilization among healthcare professionals.

Intervention: A continuing education module was implemented by a DNP student at the University of San Francisco’s School of Nursing and Health Professions to educate graduate nursing students about interpreter laws, the significance of medical interpreter utilization, and their effects on patient care.

Results: Survey responses revealed increased familiarity with medical interpreter modalities and greater clarity regarding appropriate interpreter use. While knowledge gains were evident, dependent t-test analysis of the results did not yield statistically significant differences in overall pre- and post-survey scores, likely due to sample size limitations.

Conclusions: This educational module emphasized the ethical and legal consequences of failing to utilize qualified medical interpreters.

Keywords: medical interpreters, language barriers, health literacy, nurse practitioners, patient outcomes, health equity

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