Student medical interpreters in nursing simulation: A collaborative approach

Background: Simulation is commonly used to train healthcare workers in the use of communication skills. Yet, few scenarios incorporate the use of medical interpreters along with prelicensure nursing students to learn how to address the needs of patients with language barriers. Additionally, student interpreters rarely gain knowledge of working with patients or health care providers before entering the actual clinical environment.

Methods: A pediatric simulation scenario was conducted with groups of medical interpreter and nursing students caring for a child of a non-English speaking family. The simulation focused on the student nurses preparing the child for surgery while communicating effectively with the patient’s family using medical interpreters. The student interpreters assumed the role not only of the medical interpreter but also as the family member of the simulated patient.

Results: 28 nursing students and 14 medical interpreter students completed a pre-simulation and post-simulation survey as well as a post-clinical survey. Most of the nursing students reported after the simulation that they believed that their skills were now adequate to meet the needs of a non-native English-speaking patient through the use a medical interpreter.

Conclusion: Simulation scenarios that include non-English speaking patients and family members is an effective method to train members of the health care team to communicate effectively through the use of an interpreter. Therapeutic communication increases safe patient care and improves the comfort level of the patient, family, and health care workers.