Interpreting Spanish in the X-Ray Room

PURPOSE OF PUBLICATION It is my hope that this handbook will be very useful to the radiographer in his or her exchange with non-English speaking Hispanics. Over the years I have worked in this field, I have seen my co-workers struggle when interacting with these patients. This is one of the reasons I was motivated to write this booklet. I hope that techs keep this handbook in their pockets for quick references when interacting with their non-English speaking Hispanic patients. I have tried to give a translation of the basic instructions and questions that techs need to give a patient who speaks very little or no English. The different conversations are written in English, translated to Spanish and a pronunciation of the same to help retain the material. There is a section of anatomical parts as well as positions that are translated from English to Spanish so the tech can be familiar with the terms when using them in dialogue. It is my hope that this resource will better assist radiographers, and increase the comfort level of the patient during the medical procedure. Hector Zavala, (R) (ARRT, ASRT, CSRT) is an x-ray technologist graduated from Pasadena City College in 2005. He received his training at Glendale Memorial Hospital and Adventist White Memorial, where he has had the opportunity to work for 15 years. Mr. Zavala has experience in diagnostic imaging in both forms screen and computer, in the operating room with a C-arm, portable x-ray units, PACS, and fluoroscopy. He continues working at Adventist White Memorial serving a great Hispanic community.