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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to improve the well-being of sign language interpreters by testing two different health programs. One group will join a Health Protection and Promotion Program, while the other will participate in a General Health Program. Researchers seek to determine if the special program can significantly boost interpreters' well-being compared to the regular health program. Bilingual certified sign language interpreters who work at least 10 hours a week and consider themselves healthy might be a good fit for this study.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance the health and well-being of sign language interpreters.

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 prior data suggests that this program is safe for sign language interpreters?

Research shows that the Total Worker Health® (TWH®) program, part of the Health Protection and Promotion Program, aims to improve worker well-being and create safer, healthier workplaces. This program has been implemented in various settings to assist workers, including sign language interpreters, in addressing health, safety, and well-being issues.

Reports indicate that the program receives positive feedback, with no major safety concerns. It focuses on enhancing overall health and reducing work-related stress and risks. Participants in similar programs have generally experienced improved well-being without significant negative effects. This suggests that the Health Protection and Promotion Program is likely safe and well-tolerated for those who choose to join. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to enhance the well-being of sign language interpreters. Unlike traditional health programs that may not specifically address the unique challenges faced by this group, the Health Protection and Promotion Program is tailored to promote both physical and mental health in a holistic manner. The trial aims to uncover specific strategies that can be more effective in supporting interpreters' health, potentially leading to improvements in their overall quality of life and job satisfaction.

What evidence suggests that this trial's programs could be effective for improving sign language interpreters' well-being?

Research shows that the Health Protection and Promotion Program, a treatment arm in this trial, aims to significantly enhance the well-being of sign language interpreters. Studies have found that Total Worker Health programs, which focus on both protecting and promoting health, can boost overall worker well-being. This program specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by sign language interpreters. Previous findings suggest that participants in these health programs report better mental and physical health. The program takes a holistic approach, considering both physical and mental health to improve work-life balance and reduce stress. These results suggest that the program could effectively enhance interpreters' well-being. Participants in this trial may also be assigned to the General Health Program, which serves as an active comparator. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06058949

Health Protection and Promotion of Sign Language ... The central hypothesis is that interpreters in the health protection and promotion program (intervention) will demonstrate significantly improved well-being ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-well-being-psychological-10-2023-fc3de

Health Program for Sign Language Interpreters' Well-Being Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a Total Worker Health program tailored for sign language interpreters' well-being against a general ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11594195/

Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Concerns ... Interpreters reported occupational safety, health, and well-being concerns and shared their solutions for management.

4. cdc.gov cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2022/21_0462.htm

The Occupational Health and Safety of Sign Language ... We investigated the occupational health of sign language interpreters working remotely from home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19500-y

The Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach: a systematic ... Total Worker Health programs represent a holistic approach for advancing worker safety, health, and well-being. Organizational readiness for ...

6. stacks.cdc.gov stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208567

Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Concerns ... Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Concerns of Sign Language Interpreters ... Total Worker Health® program to the context of sign language interpreting.

7. cdc.gov cdc.gov/niosh/twh/programs/index.html

NIOSH Total Worker Health® Program | TWH The NIOSH Total Worker Health Program focuses on ensuring that work is safe and enhances workers' health and well-being.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12234244/

Scoping Total Worker Health: An Expanded View of ... This scoping review provides evidence of disciplinary knowledge and practice beyond those traditionally engaged in worker health interventions and practice.