Volunteer Opportunity Details

In an upcoming issue of APTA Magazine, we will be will exploring the essential role of interpreters in physical therapy, where effective communication is crucial for successful patient outcomes. We are looking for sources for this story. If you have experience working with interpreters with your patients and you'd be willing to speak with the story's author for a 20- to 30-minute interview, please reach out to aptamag@apta.org.

We are looking for PTs or PTAs who are available in the next week to speak with us. Please send us an email at your earliest convenience and we can try to arrange an interview. Here's a bit more detail about the planned story:

Unlike other health care providers, PTs face unique challenges in conveying complex instructions while moving, assessments with dynamic hands-on techniques, and ensuring patient safety—all of which are heavily reliant on clear, precise, and quick communication. The article examines how using interpreters can enhance treatment accuracy and legal compliance while addressing the specific hurdles PTs encounter, such as session delays and the limitations of telecommunication interpreters. With practical strategies and real-world examples, it advocates for improved language services and training, urging health care providers to prioritize language concordance and cultural competency to deliver equitable, high-quality care.