Stress, anxiety, burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma can affect the health and mental well-being of even the most seasoned medical interpreters.
This is especially true because stress isn’t just isolated to their work environment. Medical interpreters also suffer from many of the same mental burdens the rest of us face: loss of friends and loved ones, social isolation, global conflict, economic disparity, and general uncertainty.
Language access managers can ensure their medical interpreting staff feels supported and safe with the following steps.
Know That Support Is Dynamic
In a webinar presented by the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry, Patricia Watson, PhD, of the National Center for PTSD emphasized the importance of support remaining fluid.
Support “demands a willingness to experiment and remain creative because in times like this . . . it cannot be prescriptive,” states Dr. Watson. “We cannot say to you, ‘You need to do x, y, and z in order to have well-being.’ In situations like this, the context demands that people adapt any kind of stress management, any kind of support that they’re giving to others.”
Adaptability is key
Language access managers should approach staff health and wellness with a mindset that can shift as circumstances change.
Many burdens placed on medical interpreters can ebb and flow unexpectedly, influenced by disruptions in daily life, like lack of mass transit, illness, or childcare. These changes can significantly impact mental health and may require new solutions to support the team.
Explore Virtual Resources
Vonessa P. Costa, CoreCHITM, senior director of quality & member engagement at Health Care Interpreter Network, shared how she supported her staff during the Covid pandemic in a webinar hosted by the Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI).
When she served as the director of multicultural affairs and patient services at Cambridge Health Alliance, her staff regularly participated in webinars together, discussing topics such as coping with trauma, resilience, and self-care.
Costa said interpreters responded positively to this resource.
She went on to note that having a “dedicated space to process and learn new techniques for coping with stress is helpful.”
Make Good Use of Employee Assistance Programs
Employee assistance programs (EAPs) can help employees navigate work-related problems and personal stressors. These services are free and confidential, offering legal consultations, financial advice, mental health counseling, and referrals for child or elder care.
Remind your medical interpreters about the benefits included in their EAP and provide them with contact information to access the service. If you’re unsure whether your organization has an EAP, check with your HR Department.
Implement Daily Huddles
As a leader, it’s important to engage with your interpreting staff regularly and transparently. Daily huddles can be a helpful practice to gather your team consistently.
Set a regular time to meet with your medical interpreters, whether as a group or individually. Create a space for them to share ideas and discuss challenges openly. Acknowledging and addressing their stress can help foster a supportive environment.
Daily huddles also provide an opportunity to align your team and set expectations, allowing interpreters to focus on their work without being preoccupied with uncertainties.
Celebrate Each Other’s Achievements
It’s important to celebrate life’s milestones. Encourage your medical interpreting staff to share stories and humor, and ensure they have a space to connect as human beings.
Use available technology for team camaraderie. Platforms like Slack or video conferencing tools like Zoom are popular, easy options. Just don’t forget to get your IT Department’s approval.
Promote a Culture of Peer Support
Jo Shapiro, MD, FACS, consultant and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, highlights the need for a supportive culture in healthcare.
“The culture has often let us down,” states Dr. Shapiro. “Over the years, it has increased our workload without providing sufficient support, leading us to neglect our physical, mental, and emotional needs.”
To address this, she recommends a peer support model, which helps normalize emotional reactions such as stress and fear. Peer support builds resilience, improves coping mechanisms, and enhances overall well-being.
And Maintain Hope
Hope is a powerful trait that can protect mental well-being. One way to instill hope in your interpreting staff is to maintain it yourself.
Work with your team to create goals, involve them in decision-making, and develop a shared pathway to the future. Your leadership and support are vital in helping them navigate through challenging times.
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