1. Title:
The interpreter-mediated consultation – development of a e-learning module for Danish medical
students
2. Project period:
1.2.19-31.12.19
3. Investigator(s):
Rikke Sander, medical student, CTP
4. Supervisors and collaborative partners:
- Principal supervisor: Associate Professor Jessica Carlsson, CTP
- Co-supervisor: Signe Skammeritz, MD, PhD student, CTP
- Co-supervisior: Laura Glahder Lindberg, MSc, PhD student, CTP
5. Background
Research has shown that patients with another cultural- or linguistic background receive treatment of lower
quality and have lower treatment outcome despite of the treatment being interpreter-mediated. One of the
major challenges in the interpreter-mediated consultations is limited qualifications in this setting, hence
clinicians do not feel properly able to handle these complex consultations. Basic skills in the interpretermediated consultation is important to develop as a clinician. As of now the medical schools in Denmark do
not train the medical students in how an interpreter-mediated consultation should be carried out.
6. Aim/s:
The aim of the project is to develop an e-learning module concerning the interpreter-mediated
consultation. The purpose of the e-learning module is that medical students gain competence in the
interpreter-mediated consultations so that they are able to complete interpreter-mediated consultations of
high quality.
7. Methods
CTP will develop the e-learning module. Center for Online Blended Learning (COBL) will provide the technical
expertise required for the development of an e-learning module. Center of Excellence for Cultural
Competence (CECC) will act as consultants to CTP in the development of the content of the module and
provide feedback to drafts.
8. Expected results
The e-learning module will include a mix of theory, cases, interactive elements and links to relevant literature.
Prior the course the students will complete a qualification-test, which they will also perform when they have
completed the e-learning module. When comparing the test-results pre- and post the course we will be able
to see the competence outcome of the course.
9. Dissemination of results
The results of the competence outcome of the course is expected to be published in an paper.
10. References
1. Flores G. The impact of medical interpreter services on the quality of health care: a systematic review.
Med Care Res Rev. 2005 Jun;62(3):255–99.
2. Divi C, Koss RG, Schmaltz SP, Loeb JM. Language proficiency and adverse events in US hospitals: a pilot
study. Int J Qual Heal care J Int Soc Qual Heal Care. 2007 Apr;19(2):60–7.
3. Bauer AM, Alegría M. Impact of patient language proficiency and interpreter service use on the quality
of psychiatric care: A systematic review. Psychiatr Serv. 2010 Aug;61(8):765–73.
4. Kim EJ, Kim T, Paasche-Orlow MK, Rose AJ, Hanchate AD. Disparities in Hypertension Associated with
Limited English Proficiency. Vol. 32, Journal of General Internal Medicine. New York; 2017. p. 632–9.