Language slow down

[Hayduke]

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How do y'all deal with interpretation and throughput?
While my Spanish is okay, I still use a "cyraphone" interpreting system whenever I can. My decision followed a tough lesson that I hope to never repeat.
I am using the French guy almost as much as the Spanish. (could those dudes complete a stereotype any more perfectly?)

The H&Ps with these cases take 30 minutes or more. Even then, with the cultural differences of these patients, I am getting an incomplete picture.
I am currently still in the cradle of academia. These lengthy sessions are tolerated and even encouraged. I worry that when I am pit master of a community place, the time spent with these folks will cause my productivity to plummet.

Any ideas?

 

[GeneralVeers]

Any ideas?

Depends on the case. If it's something straightforward like chest pain, headache, etc, I can get by with my minimal Spanish. Anything complicated, or something that requires consent for procedures I use the interpreter.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

once upon a time i was fully fluent in spanish, and now i can only understand it. i can't get it to come out of my mouth anymore.

but....here's what i've been doing.

i look at the chief complaint. i think about what info i need to know to figure out whats going on. i form my questions, and then type them into the translator at the link below. then i write the spanish translation on a piece of paper, and take that in with me to see the patient. i ask the question, and write down his answer. admittedly, it helps that i understand what he's saying back. but, its worked nicely for me. also helps me to write discharge instructions in spanish.

this link has translators for many languages. check it out.

http://translation2.paralink.com/

 

[TysonCook]

I also take the chart and fill it out as they they translate to and back from the patient. That way, instead of sitting there, I'm doing two or three things at once (eg pysical exam while the translator is speaking to thm, writing my med decision making, scripts, etc).

Also, sometimes i find it helpful to say "what is the number 1 exact reason you are here today", as many use the ED for primary care and have a long list of non-emergent complaints.

Just from my experience though, it does take almost double the time and is a sure fire way to get backed up into double digit waiting.