Remote Simultaneous Medical Interpreting and Medical Outcomes

All new patients to the general medicine clinic who were not primarily English speaking were randomized, after consenting, to receieve either remote simultaneous medical interpreting or usual and customary interpreting services. Patient charts were followed for one year after enrollment to assess medical outcomes, including patient satisfaction, diabetes management, lipid management, depression screening and management, vaccine administration.

All Spanish-speaking ER patients were similarly enrolled. They were followed for one ER visit and their knowledge of exit instructions was assessed, as well as their satisfaction with care.