Eye on Farmworker Health Current Developments in Research and Policy Interpreter Errors and Their Potential Medical Consequences Title: Errors of Medical Interpretation and Their Potential Clinical Consequences: A Comparison of Professional Versus Ad Hoc Versus No Interpreters

Recent studies have shown fewer errors and less likelihood of clinical consequences when limited English proficient patients have access to trained professional interpreters. In this study, the authors compare interpreter errors and their potential clinical consequences in hospital pediatric encounters using professional interpreters versus ad hoc interpreters versus no interpreters. The study also analyzes whether, among professional interpreters, hours of previous interpretation training or years of experience are associated with error numbers, types of errors, and potential clinical consequences.