Interpreters

Question 1

Difficulties that may arise if relatives are used as interpreters

Answer 1

Patient eluctant to discuss sensitive subjects

Concerns about confidentiality

Mistranslation may occur

Can introduce difficulties due to family relationships, emotional involvement, maturity of relative

Question 2

Advantages of working with trained interpreters

Answer 2

More accurate translation
More effective
Interpreters have cultural insights
Better management plan

Question 3

Why are interpreters underused in the health service

Answer 3

Organisational: 
Lack of appropriate service
Time taken to organise and conduct consultation
Cost
Institutional racism

Individual factors:
Lack of awareness of the service
Lack of training or confidence in working with interpreters
Involves sharing a degree of control with a third party

Question 4

How are interpreters trained to behave

Answer 4

Observe confidentiality at all times

Conduct themselves professionally, be attentive to need and wishes of patient at all times

Respect values and practices of HCP

Interpret accurately and completely

Question 5

What do you need to do to work effectively with interpreters before, during and at the end of a consultation

Answer 5

Before: Check patient and interpreter speak same language, allow time for pre-interview discussion, learn how to pronounce patient’s name correctly

Start: Allow interpreter to greet patient, explain their role, check whether patient is ok with the interpreter

During: use plain language, actively listen to interpreter and patient, allow enough time for consultation

End: Check patient has understood everything, check if there are any questions, have post consultation discussion with interpreter

Question 6

List what to check if the consultation is not going how you want

Answer 6

Is the interpreter acceptable to the patient?

Does the interpreter speak English and the patient’s language fluently?

Is translation accurate?

Does the interpreter understand the purpose of the interview?

Are you using simple jargon-free english?

Are you allowing the interpreter enough time?

Question 7

Factors to be aware of when using an interpreter (family or trained)

Answer 7

Health beliefs
Socioeconomic barriers
Non-verbal behaviour and their interpretation
Control in consultation with 3 people

Question 8

What should you do if a patient insists on having a lay-interpreter?

Answer 8

Explain the importance of using a professional interpreter and consequences of misinterpretation

Respect wish and record

Record if it is felt interpretation was not full/adequate. Can assert right to trained interpreter if you feel there is a conflict of interest