Date of Award
Summer 8-20-2017
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Bernadette Roche
Second Advisor
Young Me Lee
Abstract
Background: Despite evidence of provider misuse of interpreter services and the resultant adverse outcomes that can and have occurred, few studies have assessed or addressed the gaps in knowledge and attitudes of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) towards interpreter service usage when providing care for and consenting limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Objectives: The purpose of this descriptive survey study was to identify CRNA knowledge and attitudes toward interpreter service usage for LEP patients to guide the development of a competency educational tool for CRNAs. Methods: A descriptive, online survey research design was used. The Qualtrics online survey platform was used to administer the survey to CRNAs who are members of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists (IANA) to assess their knowledge and attitudes toward interpreter service use. Descriptive, t test and correlational statistics were used to analyze data. Results: A total of 92 CRNAs participated in this study. This study found a statistically significant positive linear relationship between female gender and a higher mean score of knowledge using point bi-serial correlation analysis (p = 0.001). Females tended to have greater knowledge regarding interpreter service use than males. All five questions in the knowledge questionnaire had mean scores indicative of knowledge deficit regarding appropriate interpreter service use. The attitudes questionnaire had a mean of 15.28 (SD=3.31), indicating a positive trend in attitudes towards interpreter service use. Many study participants (62%; n=57) have not received continuing education on interpreter services at their primary place of practice and most participants (65%; n=60) reported either not receiving or not knowing how often continuing education on interpreter services is offered. These responses support a need for the development of a competency educational tool to be used as a continuing education resource on interpreter service use among CRNAs for improved safety and quality of care of LEP patients. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Improving the knowledge of appropriate interpreter service use among CRNAs can lead to improved quality and safety of patient care and improved health outcomes of those served by these anesthesia providers. Identifying and addressing informational and attitudinal barriers are key to a consistent use of interpreter services.
Recommended Citation
Ferral, Rachel and Meyer, Angela, "A Needs Assessment for Development of an Interpreter Services Educational Tool for CRNAs" (2017). College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations. 220.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/csh_etd/220
SLP Collection
yes