What are some best practices for working with interpreters and translators in health care?

1 Choose the right mode of interpretation

Depending on the situation, you may need to use different modes of interpretation, such as consecutive, simultaneous, or remote. Consecutive interpretation means that the interpreter speaks after the speaker finishes a segment of speech, while simultaneous interpretation means that the interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker. Remote interpretation means that the interpreter is not physically present, but communicates via phone, video, or online platforms. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages, so you should consider factors such as the urgency, complexity, and sensitivity of the communication, the availability and quality of the technology, and the preference and comfort of the patient.

2 Prepare the interpreter and the patient

Before the interaction, you should brief the interpreter about the purpose, context, and expectations of the communication. You should also provide any relevant information or documents that the interpreter may need to understand or translate. Likewise, you should explain to the patient who the interpreter is, what their role is, and how the communication will proceed. You should also ask the patient if they have any questions or concerns about the interpretation process, and address them accordingly.

3 Speak clearly and directly

When working with interpreters and translators, you should speak clearly and directly, using simple and concise language. You should avoid jargon, slang, idioms, metaphors, or humor that may not translate well or cause confusion. You should also speak in short sentences or segments, and pause frequently to allow the interpreter to relay your message. You should address the patient directly, using the first or second person, rather than speaking to the interpreter. For example, you should say "How are you feeling today?" rather than "Ask him how he is feeling today."

4 Monitor the quality and accuracy of the interpretation

You should pay attention to the quality and accuracy of the interpretation, and check for any signs of misunderstanding, omission, distortion, or addition. You should also observe the non-verbal cues of the patient and the interpreter, such as facial expressions, gestures, tone of voice, and eye contact. If you notice any discrepancies or issues, you should clarify or correct them as soon as possible. You should also ask the patient to repeat or summarize what they understood, or use other methods to verify their comprehension, such as teach-back or show-me techniques.

5 Respect the cultural and ethical aspects of the interpretation

You should respect the cultural and ethical aspects of the interpretation, and acknowledge that interpreters and translators are not just linguistic mediators, but also cultural brokers and advocates. You should be aware of the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices of the patient and the interpreter, and how they may affect the communication. You should also be sensitive to the potential emotional, moral, or legal dilemmas that interpreters and translators may face, and support them in adhering to their professional codes of conduct. You should also seek feedback from the interpreter and the patient about the quality and outcome of the communication, and express your appreciation for their collaboration.