Every Word Matters: Interpreting Through the lens of Trauma and Health Literacy

1. Explain how interpreters contribute to meaningful communication in healthcare.
2. Recognize communication barriers related to health literacy.
3. Identify opportunities for plain language and teach-back during interpreted encounters.
4. Apply principles of cultural humility and professional humility in clinical interactions.
5. Recognize trauma-informed communication practices and potential retraumatization risks.
6. Demonstrate effective interpreting strategies during simulated healthcare encounters.

Meaningful Communication in Healthcare - Every Word Matters

Effective interpreting involves more than accurate language transfer. It also requires supporting communication that promotes patient understanding, trust, safety, and engagement. This interactive workshop explores five key concepts that contribute to meaningful communication in healthcare: Health Literacy, Plain Language, Teach-Back, Cultural and Professional Humility, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Participants will examine how these approaches influence patient-provider interactions and consider the interpreter's role in supporting understanding while maintaining professional standards of practice. The workshop concludes with a performance-based practice session that allows participants to apply these concepts in realistic healthcare scenarios.

Topics include:

• Health literacy and communication barriers

• Plain language in healthcare encounters

• Teach-back as a tool for verifying understanding

• Cultural and professional humility in interpreting practice

• Trauma-informed communication and psychological safety

• Application of concepts through interpreted role-play scenarios

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing no less than 20 days before the course will be refunded, less a 20% administrative fee. No refunds will be made on cancellations received after that date. Please send cancellation requests to [email protected].

Children's Mercy Kansas City reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

Accessibility Statement
 
Children's Mercy Kansas City is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

The Children's Mercy Kansas City Office of Continuing Medical Education adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Children's Mercy Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.