Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters (Spanish/English)

Transcription

1 Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters (Spanish/English) 2010 IMIA International Conference on Medical Interpreting September 3-5, 2010 Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at Harvard Medical School Boston, MA Mitsue Colin, MD, MPH Epilepsy Foundation

2 Epilepsy Foundation Who are we and what do we do? The Epilepsy Foundation is a national voluntary agency dedicated solely to the welfare of the almost 3 million people with epilepsy in the U.S. and their families. The Foundation ensures that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; improves how people with epilepsy are perceived, accepted and valued in society; and promotes research for a cure. All Programs are conducted at the national level. Epilepsy clients work with more than 50 Foundation affiliates around the country.

3 Did you know More than 400,000 Hispanics in the U.S. have epilepsy Survey (Epilepsy Foundation) results revealed that: A large proportion of Hispanics in the United States fear epilepsy. Hispanics continue to relate seizures to death and over half are not ready to disclose that a family member has the disorder.

4 Today Many Hispanics believe that a seizure results from substance abuse and spiritual causes. These cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge, lack of education and lack of access to services can prevent individuals from seeking effective medical support.

5 Did you know According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Latinos are less likely than their white counterparts to be hospitalized or receive therapy for over one third of the medical conditions studied, including epilepsy. (2001, publication 01 R016).

6 What is it? Epilepsy Foundation Hispanic Outreach Program The Hispanic Outreach Program was developed by the Foundation in collaboration with an expert group of affiliates, Professional Advisory Board members, healthcare professionals and the Hispanic Council.

7 Hispanic Outreach Program OBJECTIVES What are the objectives of this program? Provide education on seizures Increase awareness about epilepsy Promote affiliate outreach to local Hispanic communities

8 Hispanic Outreach Program STRATEGIES What strategies are being used to achieve objectives? 1. Promotores Training curriculum 2. Hispanic Web site at: 3. Partnerships: HCN National and local media outreach NCFH Call for Health Program IMIA Ad in newsletter/training on Web site 4. Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters

9 Did you know Many Hispanic households rely on bilingual teenagers to aid the family with interpretation. Because of language barriers, there is confusion and misunderstanding within the Hispanic epilepsy community which, in turn, often results in noncompliance of medication regimens.

10 Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters Who created this training and why? Collaboration with the Children s Hospital of Phoenix and the Epilepsy Foundation Maximize the efficacy of the patient s time with their doctors Where can I get it? It can now be found at and downloaded from and at the IMIA Web site for FREE

11 Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters What s included in it? The training includes information for healthcare providers on the Hispanic culture and epilepsy which will increase the healthcare providers understanding and respect for cultural issues related to epilepsy when treating patients. The information and activities in the training module have two principal objectives: 1. Educate medical interpreters about epilepsy, seizures and first aid. 2. Build skills to interpret medical information with speed and accuracy.

12 Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters Four components make up this packet of materials: 1. The Tests and Evaluations (15 min.) 2. PowerPoint and accompanying handout, Epilepsy, Seizures & First Aid. (60 min.) 3. Words to Know, Patient History: Possible Seizure Disorder, and Follow Up Visit: Patient with Seizure Disorder. (20min.) 4. Interviews (60 min.)

13 Presentation of Training Epilepsy Training for Medical Interpreters 2008 Epilepsy Foundation

14 For More Information. For more information about the Hispanic Program and the Medical Interpreters Training, please contact the Epilepsy Foundation at: or Visit our Web site or where you can find and download the training module for FREE