Working with Interpreters: Do's

• Provide all requested information to the interpreter, including:
  • Your name and role
  • Either the patient name or the medical record number
  • Full alpha-numeric ID of the unit
  • Language needed
  • Who else is in the room
  • Where you are located
• Speak directly to the patient; don’t say “tell her…”
• Ask the patient to repeat back information and instructions to ensure they understand
• Disconnect the unit when you leave the room. This gives the patient more privacy and preserves the interpreter’s ethics.
• You may shut the privacy shutter as needed
• Allow time for an introduction and pre-session with the interpreter
• Pause often to allow the interpreter to interpret everything that is said
• Plan and allow for more time when working with LEP or Deaf patients
• Be culturally aware (use of eye contact, space, and touching)
• Be sure the camera is focused on the signer from the waist up to encompass all signs
• Ask the interpreter to point out cultural misunderstandings that may come up—respect an interpreters judgment that a particular question is culturally inappropriate and either rephrase the question or ask the interpreters help in eliciting the information in a more appropriate way
• The interpreter may have to paint word pictures of terms you use and this may take longer than the original speech. In some languages there may be no linguistic or conceptual equivalent
• Document the use of an interpreter
• When in doubt, get an interpreter: this fosters trust and is more accurate and concise
• Do explain, don’t count on the interpreter to explain or answer questions. They are there to interpret only what is said and to help explain cultural issues if needed
• Speak in laymen’s terms. Avoid slang and speak in a straightforward sentence structure with complete sentences and ideas
• Acknowledge the interpreter as a professional in communication; respect his or her role