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Coping and resiliency enhancement program (CARE): a pilot study for interpreters in cancer care
Author(s) -
Park Elyse R.,
Mutchler Jan E.,
Perez Giselle,
Goldman Roberta E.,
Niles Halsey,
Haime Vivian,
TreeMcGrath Cheyenne Fox,
Yang Mai See,
Woolridge Daniel,
Suarez July,
Donelan Karen,
Pirl William F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4137
Subject(s) - stressor , interpreter , psychosocial , feeling , coping (psychology) , distress , psychology , medicine , clinical psychology , psychotherapist , social psychology , computer science , programming language
Abstract Objective There is a growing demand for interpreters in the cancer setting. Interpreters, the link to quality care for limited English proficiency patients, face many psychosocial stressors in their work. This project assessed interpreters' experiences of stress and piloted a resiliency program to help interpreters cope with stressors. Methods From 2013 to 2014, we pilot tested a targeted resiliency program with interpreters from three Boston‐based hospitals. In Phase 1, we conducted five focus groups ( n = 31) to identify interpreters' psychosocial needs. In Phase 2, we developed and tested a 4‐h group program with 29 interpreters (response rate = 90%; 69% female, 54% Hispanic, 85% born outside of the U.S.). Results Phase 1. Stressors were patient‐based (seeing young patients decline), interactions with medical team (unsure of role), and systems‐based (appointment unpredictability). Phase 2. At baseline interpreters reported low abilities to cope with stress (measured by the Measure of Current Status (MOCS‐A)). At 4‐week follow‐up we found improvements in job satisfaction ( p = .02; Cohen's d = .41) and declines in sick days ( p = .08; Cohen's d = .38). Stress reactivity (MOCS‐A) improved; specifically participants reported feeling more assertive about their needs ( p = .10; Cohen's d = .30) and more able to relax at will ( p = .10; Cohen's d = .35)—important mechanisms to lower distress. Conclusions We piloted a resiliency program for medical interpreters in cancer care. We found that interpreters experience distress and have low coping skills. This program resulted in improved work factors and stress reactivity. Future research should include further implementation and testing in a larger, randomized trial.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.