Health Program for Sign Language Interpreters' Well-Being

Overseen By Gretchen Roman, PT, DPT, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Rochester

Disqualifiers: Under 18, Not certified, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

133 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment General Health Program, General Wellness Program, Standard Health Program, Health Protection and Promotion, Total Worker Health Program, Health Protection and Promotion Program?

Research shows that wellness programs, which include health assessments and lifestyle management, can lead to improved health and economic outcomes, such as reduced health risks and lower healthcare costs. Programs that focus on employee satisfaction and engagement, and adapt to changing needs, have been successful in promoting overall well-being. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the Health Program for Sign Language Interpreters' Well-Being treatment different from other treatments?

This treatment is unique because it focuses on the overall well-being of sign language interpreters, addressing both physical and emotional stress factors specific to their profession, rather than just treating individual symptoms or conditions. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Using mixed-methods and a clinical efficacy trial design, the overall objective of this study will employ implementation strategies to adapt and evaluate a previous integrated Total Worker Health® (TWH®) program and pilot test its efficacy on sign language interpreter well-being. The central hypothesis is that interpreters in the health protection and promotion program (intervention) will demonstrate significantly improved well-being compared to those in a general health program (control).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for certified sign language interpreters who are bilingual in English and American Sign Language, generally healthy, and work at least 10 hours a week. It's not suitable for those under 18, uncertified individuals, or anyone unable to give consent.

Inclusion Criteria

I work as a certified sign language interpreter for at least 10 hours a week.

I am fluent in both English and American Sign Language.

You appear to be in good health.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Not yet certified as a sign language interpreter

I am unable to give my consent.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants engage in the Health Protection and Promotion Program or the General Health Program

15-24 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in well-being and acceptability post intervention

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• General Health Program
• Health Protection and Promotion

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a Total Worker Health program tailored for sign language interpreters' well-being against a general health program. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these two groups to compare outcomes.

Participant Groups

Group I: Health Protection and Promotion Program Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Group II: General Health Program Active Control 1 Intervention

General Health Program is already approved in United States, Canada, European Union for the following indications:

Approved in United States as General Health Program for:

• General health and wellness

Approved in Canada as General Health Program for:

• General health and wellness

Approved in European Union as General Health Program for:

• General health and wellness

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Rochester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

883

Recruited

555,000+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Collaborator

Trials

902

Recruited

25,020,000+

Findings from Research

Wellness programs are evolving from focusing solely on physical health to incorporating social, emotional, and environmental aspects, which is essential for comprehensive well-being.

The paper highlights three community well-being initiatives at a university that successfully fostered positive relationships among employees, contributing to a healthier organizational culture.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing community relationships to enhance well-being in a worksite wellness program. Click, ER., Hammock, JM., Omabegho, B., et al.[2019]

Outcome evaluation is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic programs, focusing on the patient's daily well-being and distinguishing between health status and quality of life.

Implementing standardized protocols and databases for outcome evaluation can enhance patient care and inform medical and health management strategies, ultimately benefiting both patients and society.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome evaluation in pediatric orthopedics. Viehweger, E., Jouve, JL., Simeoni, MC.[2019]

A wellness program designed for women with multiple sclerosis (MS) effectively promotes health by providing tailored knowledge and enhancing self-efficacy for health behaviors.

Participants in the two-phase intervention, which included knowledge-building classes and telephone follow-ups, reported positive changes in their health and wellness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting wellness for women with multiple sclerosis. Stuifbergen, A., Becker, H., Rogers, S., et al.[2019]

A wellness program created by the radiology and surgery departments at Mayo Clinic Rochester improved employee satisfaction and health awareness, responding to a staff satisfaction survey.

Engaging employees in fun and non-threatening health activities not only boosted their satisfaction but also contributed to better performance and retention within the workforce.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

RadSurg wellness program: improving the work environment and the workforce team. Jasperson, DB.[2015]

Employer-sponsored wellness programs have been linked to improved health-related and economic outcomes, including reduced healthcare costs and absenteeism, based on a review of 20 studies published between 2005 and 2011.

Successful wellness programs often share common characteristics, such as a supportive corporate culture, strong motivation from both employees and leadership, and the use of technology to enhance participation and education.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of employer-sponsored wellness strategies and their economic and health-related outcomes. Kaspin, LC., Gorman, KM., Miller, RM.[2018]

Approximately 70% of sign language interpreters experience significant musculoskeletal disorders, such as tendinitis and repetitive strain injuries, which negatively impact their work performance and overall quality of life.

The study, involving 62 interpreters, highlights that these disorders are linked to various factors, including physical and cognitive fatigue, and that the number of musculoskeletal conditions correlates with decreased satisfaction in hand function.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Musculoskeletal Diseases and Disorders in the Upper Limbs and Health Work-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Sign Language Interpreters and Guide-Interpreters. Jiménez-Arberas, E., Díez, E.[2022]

The Deaf Health Behavior Report, an online survey developed in American Sign Language, effectively identifies health risks among Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) young adults, with 31 students participating in the pilot test.

The survey revealed that the most common health risks for D/HH students were related to nutrition, stress, and binge drinking, highlighting the need for targeted health promotion efforts in this population.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a Health Behavior Screening Tool for Deaf College Students. Spear, SE., Garrow, W., Fleischer, FS., et al.[2022]

Effective communication in healthcare is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction, yet Deaf individuals often face barriers due to inadequate access to professional sign language interpreters, which is mandated by law.

The article emphasizes the importance of using certified sign language interpreters over ad hoc interpreters to ensure legal compliance and improve communication quality, outlining the different types of sign language and interpreting methods available.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Legal and Ethical Imperatives for Using Certified Sign Language Interpreters in Health Care Settings: How to "Do No Harm" When "It's (All) Greek" (Sign Language) to You. Nonaka, AM.[2017]

The Deaf community faces significant barriers in accessing health promotion information and care, highlighting a need for improved understanding of their culture and language among healthcare providers.

To enhance medical care for the Deaf community, it is essential to develop tailored health education programs, increase ASL proficiency among healthcare providers, and encourage more Deaf individuals to pursue careers in health professions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bringing health care information to the deaf community. Sadler, GR., Huang, JT., Padden, CA., et al.[2013]

The adapted 15 Day Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) Jumpstart program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) participants led to significant positive changes in their eating patterns and improvements in biometric measures, indicating its efficacy in promoting healthier lifestyles.

Participants reported high levels of confidence in their dietary knowledge and skills, suggesting that the program effectively empowered them to make lasting dietary changes, which could improve health outcomes in the DHH community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-food plant-based Jumpstart for a Deaf and Hard of Hearing cohort. Friedman, SM., Scheuer, K., Beha, BG., et al.[2023]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing community relationships to enhance well-being in a worksite wellness program. [2019]

2. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Outcome evaluation in pediatric orthopedics. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Promoting wellness for women with multiple sclerosis. [2019]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

RadSurg wellness program: improving the work environment and the workforce team. [2015]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Systematic review of employer-sponsored wellness strategies and their economic and health-related outcomes. [2018]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Musculoskeletal Diseases and Disorders in the Upper Limbs and Health Work-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Sign Language Interpreters and Guide-Interpreters. [2022]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development of a Health Behavior Screening Tool for Deaf College Students. [2022]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Legal and Ethical Imperatives for Using Certified Sign Language Interpreters in Health Care Settings: How to "Do No Harm" When "It's (All) Greek" (Sign Language) to You. [2017]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Bringing health care information to the deaf community. [2013]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Whole-food plant-based Jumpstart for a Deaf and Hard of Hearing cohort. [2023]