Tips for Using a Medical Interpreter
1. Speak to the patient: Face the patient and maintain eye contact with him or her, not the interpreter. Speak in the first person
(I) and address the patient directly (address the patient as "you"). Often the interpreter will stand behind the patient to
facilitate patient/healthcare professional interaction.
2. Do not speak too quickly, and pause often: It will be difficult for the interpreter to understand and remember what you are
saying and be able to recall it to the patient if you speak too quickly or give too many directions/questions at once. Speaking
more slowly and pausing between thoughts allows the interpreter to transmit your thoughts more accurately and efficiently.
3. Do not say anything you do not want the patient to hear: Under the National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, or
NCIHC's, code of ethics, "The interpreter advises parties that everything said will be interpreted" (2). Therefore, everything
said in the room will be interpreted.
4. Avoid using idoms or cultural references: English idioms or cultural references will be difficult for the interpreter to translate
because they are not used in the patient's culture.
5. Ask the patient to repeat instructions: Asking the patient to repeat instructions for treatment ensures understanding.
Sources:
1. "Working with Medical Interpreters." Minnesota Refugee Health Provider Guide. Minnesota Department of Health, 2011. 11.1-1.6. Minnesota Refugee Health Provider Guide. Minnesota Department of Health, Feb. 2011. Web. 1 Apr. 2012
2. National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, 2005.
3. Guidelines for Use of Medical Interpreter Services. Association of American Medical Colleges.
1. "Working with Medical Interpreters." Minnesota Refugee Health Provider Guide. Minnesota Department of Health, 2011. 11.1-1.6. Minnesota Refugee Health Provider Guide. Minnesota Department of Health, Feb. 2011. Web. 1 Apr. 2012
2. National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care. National Council on Interpreting in Health Care, 2005.
3. Guidelines for Use of Medical Interpreter Services. Association of American Medical Colleges.