Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Medical Interpreters: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic changed the health care experience, impacting medical interpreters and the non-English language preference (NELP) patients they serve. NELP patients experienced increased isolation, barriers to care, and worse health outcomes. Interpreters faced rapid changes in care provision, including high patient volumes, increased illness severity, and transition to virtual and remote care. We aim to explore the experience, challenges, and recommendations of medical interpreters providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Five virtual focus groups, with a total of 24 professional medical interpreters, were conducted using a semi-structured guide. Transcripts were then coded for thematic analysis with an iterative debriefing process to refine codes and themes. Results: The challenges faced by participants during the COVID-19 pandemic included a rapid transition to remote interpretation, personal and patient safety concerns, elevated mental and emotional burden, and limited institutional support. Despite these challenges, participants felt immense pride in their role and the care provided. They describe limited opportunities for connection and support and a lack of professional recognition and detailed opportunities to further support interpreters in the future. Conclusion: Interpreters identified challenges in adapting to virtual and remote work, ensuring safety and quality of care, and maintaining mental health. Health equity implications: Interpreters suggest developing further health care worker training, highlighting best practices for NELP and interpreted visits, supporting interpreter professional development, and increasing interpreter visibility and recognition as next steps to improve care quality. Further insight into the perspective of NELP patients is needed to support high-quality, equitable patient care.