Topic 2: Medical Interpreter Ethics

Question 1

Confidentiality (NCIHC)

Answer 1

The interpreter treats as confidential, within the treating team, all information learned in the performance of their professional duties, while observing relevant requirements regarding disclosure.

Question 2

Confidentiality (IMIA)

Answer 2

Interpreters will maintain confidentiality of all assignment-related information.

Question 3

Accuracy and Completeness (NCIHC)

Answer 3

The interpreter strives to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context.

Question 4

Accuracy and Completeness (IMIA)

Answer 4

Interpreters will select the language and mode of interpretation that most accurately conveys the content and spirit of the messages of their clients.

Question 5

Impartiality (NCIHC)

Answer 5

• The interpreter strives to maintain impartiality and refrains from counseling, advising or projecting personal biases or beliefs
• The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement

Question 6

Impartiality (IMIA)

Answer 6

• Interpreters will refrain from accepting an assignment when family or close personal relationships affect impartiality.
• Interpreters will not interject personal opinions or counsel patients.

Question 7

Conflict of Interest (IMIA)

Answer 7

Interpreters will refrain from using their position to gain favors from clients.

Question 8

Scope of Practice (IMIA)

Answer 8

Interpreters will not engage in interpretations that relate to issues outside the provision of health care services unless qualified to do so.

Question 9

Disqualification and Impediments to Practice (IMIA)

Answer 9

Interpreters will refrain from accepting assignments beyond their professional skills, language fluency, or level of training.

Question 10

Professional Courtesy (NCIHC)

Answer 10

• The interpreter treats all parties with respect.
• The interpreter must at all times act in a professional and ethical manner.

Question 11

Professional Courtesy (IMIA)

Answer 11

Interpreters will use skillful unobtrusive interventions so as not to interfere with the flow of communication in a triadic medical setting.

Question 12

Professional Development (NCIHC)

Answer 12

The interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills.

Question 13

Professional Development (IMIA)

Answer 13

• Interpreters will keep abreast of their evolving languages and medical terminology.
• Interpreters will participate in continuing education programs as available.
• Interpreters will seek to maintain ties with relevant professional organizations in order to be up-to-date with the latest professional standards and protocols.

Question 14

Other: Patient Advocacy (NCIHC)

Answer 14

• When the patient’s health, well-being, or dignity is at risk, the interpreter may be justified in acting as an advocate.
• Advocacy is understood as an action taken on behalf of an individual that goes beyond facilitating communication, with the intention of supporting good health outcomes.
• Advocacy must only be undertaken after careful and thoughtful analysis of the situation and if other less intrusive actions have not resolved the problem.

Question 15

Other: Patient Advocacy (IMIA)

Answer 15

Interpreters will engage in patient advocacy and in the intercultural mediation role of explaining cultural differences/practices to health care providers and patients only when appropriate and necessary for communication purposes, using professional judgment.

Question 16

Other: Knowledge of Cultures (NCIHC)

Answer 16

The interpreter continuously strives to develop awareness of his/her own and other (including biomedical) cultures encountered in the performance of their professional duties.