- http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/2012/07/11/medical-interpreter/
- http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/2012/07/20/the-experience-of-medical-interpreting/
- http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/2012/07/16/interactive-map-state-by-state-growth-in-residents-with-limited-english/
Provide names of other journalists involved.
Anna Weggel, Public Insight Analyst Melody Ng, Public Insight Analyst Kate Moos, Executive Producer
List date(s) this work was published or aired.
11-Jul-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Courts have held that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees interpretation services for most people receiving health care from a provider who doesn’t speak their language. But providers across the U.S. are struggling to meet this standard, especially in communities experiencing rapid growth in the number of limited-English speakers. We mapped that growth and talked to professionals about the dangers of falling short of their obligation.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
We reviewed federal statutes and several states’ guidelines around medical interpretation — including reimbursement rates for such services. We examined studies about the impacts of medical interpretation (or the lack thereof). Jeff also immersed himself in the particulars of two different (competing) models for certifying medical interpreters. Also: -2010 Census data for creating our interactive map -Three Public Insight Network queries, which brought in dozens of responses from people directly touched by this topic.
Explain types of human sources used.
The central reporting tool that makes the Public Insight Network unique is a network of 180,000 diverse sources who have volunteered to share their experience and expertise with us. Dozens of medical professionals and patients responded to our queries (see links on all the story pages included) with important and surprising insight. It was through these sources that we learned about a significant divide among interpreters about what model of certification should govern the profession. We also learned a lot about the personal-level effects of a broken interpretation system — in the form of patient anxiety, stress on family members, and the joy of *finally* being understood.
Results:
We received more responses to our Public Insight queries as a result of publishing these stories.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
The story was updated with additional information that aired in an audio version of the story on Minnesota Public Radio a few weeks later. All additive. No corrections.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
The place to find this story, and so many others like it, isn’t necessarily in cities with large immigrant populations. Instead, look for areas experiencing rapid grown in that population — even if the total numbers aren’t high. It’s the towns and cities confronting demographic shift that best illustrate our preparedness to live up to the promises of the American dream.