Improving Interpreter Use for Patients in PICU Through Quality Improvement

Health & Medicine


The following is a summary of “Balanced Solution Versus Normal Saline in Predicted Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial,” published in the December 2024 issue of Pediatrics by Oliveros et al.


Federal guidelines require that patients who speak languages ​​other than English receive interpretation in their preferred language. Substantial variability exists in interpreter use in intensive care settings.

Researchers conducted a retrospective study assessing the impact of equity-focused interventions on interpreter use in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

They implemented a series of interventions to increase the use of video, phone, and in-person interpreters. These interventions included standardizing technology, placing interpretation devices, providing education, and accountability systems. Data from PICU encounters (January 2018 and January 2022), n=882, were analyzed using statistical process control methods.

The results showed that the total interpretation rate increased to 2.7 interpretations per patient per day from a baseline of 1.4 (P<0.05). Use of each interpretation modality increased, with the average time spent interpreting via phone rising from 8 to 10.5 mins and via video from 9.5 to 22 mins per patient per day (P<0.05).

They concluded that iterative quality improvement strategies successfully improved interpreter use in the PICU for patients with critical illness.

Source: publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/155/1/e2023065427/200170/Equity-Focused-Interventions-Improve-Interpreter



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