Appropriate use of medical interpreters in the breast imaging clinic.
Patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) are at higher risk of receiving suboptimal care, and they are less likely to receive preventative healthcare, including screening mammograms, than are native English speakers. This article lays out the benefits to patients of professional interpreters and best practices for engaging with the interpreter and patient in the breast radiology setting. Certified medical interpreters are recommended (and sometimes legally mandated) in place of ad hoc interpreters such as the patient's family members. While in-person professional interpreters are most effective, telephone and video are more accessible and less costly.