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Racial Group » Staff Guidelines for Working with InterpretersStaff Guidelines for Working with InterpretersIntroduction
If there is the need for an interpreter or a need is expressed by the patient/client, organise an interpreter if at all possible. Under the Race Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 a service provider could be legally liable if they have not taken reasonable steps to facilitate meeting this need. Interpreters are an important resource in providing a voice for patients whose proficiency in English is poor or insufficient for the situation. These guidelines refer to utilising the services of an interpreter in a face-to-face situation. Identifying The Need for an Interpreter In stressful situations such as illness and hospitalisation, it is usual for the person's command of English to decrease. It is crucial that the patient has full understanding and there are no misinterpretations by patient or staff. As with native English speakers, English comprehension at social level does not necessarily mean that the person will be able to understand medical terminology. It is possible to overestimate a person's English skills. To decide whether the patient needs an interpreter, assess whether their English language ability is adequate for the situation. Some people can not communicate in English at all or will have such minimal English proficiency that the decision is obvious. Some will bring an ' I need an interpreter' card naming the language required. You may need to seek this information out from the person or via an accompanying relative. However, if there is any doubt, here are some simple tests to help you make your decision.
Arranging for an Interpreter
It is very important to find out which language and dialect is appropriate. For
example, Taiwanese people sometimes get confused by the terms the interpreter
uses if the interpreter is from China, Hong Kong or Malaysia.
The ethnicity of the interpreter is important. Some patients may not want to have interpreters from specific communities, for political reasons or because of confidentiality fears in small communities. For example, it may be inappropriate to provide a Serbian interpreter for a Bosnian Muslim. Remember the interpreter is there to enable you to do your job completely, not only for the patient/client. The Interpreter's Role The interpreter is used solely for the purpose of conveying information provided, in a language that the patient can understand. The interpreter is not supposed to analyse the information, or decide what should or should not be conveyed. She or he is also bound to maintain patient confidentiality. When deciding if an interpreter is required, try to explain their right to an interpreter and the interpreter's role, if they are not already aware of this. Also explain the interpreter's professional obligation to preserve confidentiality. Do not expect the interpreter to be a cultural expert, to counsel the patient, or to calm the person down. They are simply there to repeat what you and the patient say to each other in a language that you can both understand. How to Conduct an Interview with an Interpreter Present Before an interview
Introduction and set up
During the interview
Ending the interview
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