Guidelines for Use of Interpreters

• Allocate extra time for the interpreting session

• Pre-brief the interpreter

• Structure the interpreting session appropriately

• De-brief with the interpreter to clarify any doubts

• Refer to Quick Guides on how to work with interpreters effectively (or the interpreting policy of your organisation)

• Understand the roles and competencies of trained interpreters

• Gain skills to work with interpreters face-to-face and over the phone effectively

An interpreter is required to interpret what is said accurately and faithfully, without omissions, alterations or additions.  If there are any doubts about the accuracy of interpreting, it is appropriate for staff to ask the interpreter what they have been saying.

Some things to consider during an interpreting session include:

An interpreter is a trained professional, fluent in at least two languages. The interpreter facilitates communication between parties who do not have a common language, or have limitations in communicating.

Interpreter's Role

The roles of a professional interpreters are to be a: 

• Conduit - to interpret literally with no omissions, additions or editing, or clarify as required (the interpreter will alert the health practitioner when they are interpreting literally)

• Clarifier - to interpret underlying and metaphorical meanings within the cultural context

Interpreter's Role Does Not Include:

• The provision of cultural advice (they may provide some cultural context around a patient / client's response)

• The provision of transport for patients / clients

• The provision of advice to patients / clients about their decision or choice of treatment

• Acting on behalf of the patient / client to provide medical history to the health practitioner

• Acting as a support person or providing emotional support

• Contacting patients / clients to check on their health status or to reminding them about medications without an official instruction from the health practitioner and their interpreting service

Interpreter's Responsibilities

The interpreter must:

• Ensure the client understands what is happening (i.e. the interpreting process)

• Explain to staff the factors underlying the client's responses or decisions

• Point out misunderstandings and challenge prejudiced statements or conclusions

• Remind health professionals to use simple language and not to use jargon that may lead to misunderstanding by the interpreter

Professional (trained) interpreter refers to someone who has received certified professional qualifications in interpreting.

Expected Skills & Behaviour

A competent interpreter must be bilingual and bi-cultural and have:

• Good linguistic and communication skills in at least two languages

• Intimate understanding of two cultures

• A good educational background to be able to deal with a great variety of subject matter

• Personal maturity and life experience to deal with sensitive matters

• Familiarity with the subject matter and terminology

• Good listening skills

• Good memory skills

An Interpreter Must:

• Ensure they achieve participation and communication on both sides

• Respect the confidentiality and integrity of both parties

• Abide by the Interpreters' Code of Ethics.

Expected Competencies of an Interpreter

Competencies expected from trained interpreters include:

• Understanding and adherence to their prescribed roles

• Ability to do consecutive interpreting (when interpreter interprets after 2nd party has finished speaking)
  Note:  Some interpreters may have the ability to do simultaneous interpreting (when interpreter and 2nd party speak simultaneously with the interpreter one or two sentences behind)

• Ability to do sight translation (i.e. translate documents in sessions such as consent forms, Mental Health Act etc. Written translations are not part of the role)

• Having knowledge of the NZ health system and basic health terminology

• Having knowledge of, and adherence to the Interpreters' Code of Ethics. These include the following clauses:

  • Accuracy

  • Confidentiality

  • Impartiality

  • Conflict of interest

  • Professional courtesy

  • Declining work

  • Contractual obligations

  • Self education

  • Standard of conduct

A professional interpreter should be used when:

• the patient / client has no or a limited understanding of English

• there is a concern about the patient / client's health literacy

• the patient / client is deaf or hearing impaired and understands Sign Language

• the patient / client or family requests for an interpreter

• the need for an interpreter is indicated on the GP referral

• the need for an interpreter is indicated on the patient / client's written consent for participation in research

Principles Determining Use of Interpreter

The principles determining the use of a professional interpreter include requirements for:

• decision making, e.g. informed consent

• accurate communication

• patient / client confidentiality

• managing sensitive and emotional issues

• medical complexity

In a situation that a competent interpreter is necessary, arrange for one if it is practical to do so.

'Untrained' interpreter refers to family members, friends, support persons, staff or anyone who has not had professional training as an interpreter.

Untrained interpreters should only be used in the following situations:

• When it is strongly preferred by the patient / client and the health professional feels it is acceptable

  • For example: If a patient / client strongly refuses to use a professional interpreter because they come fro a small ethnic community and consider it inappropriate for a third party outside their family group to interpret for them. This is a decision to be made by the patient / client and their family in conjunction with the health professional and the reason should be clearly documented in the patient / client's notes.

• When immediate access to a professional interpreter is not possible and a delay in obtaining a professional interpreter would result in harm to the patient / clients, this needs to be documented in the patient / client's clinical notes

• To interpret information that, at the discretion of the responsible health professional, is:

  • non-clinical

  • non-technical

  • non-confidential

  • non-sensitive

  • not at risk to the patient/client if it is not accurately translated

Important Considerations for Health Providers

• The use of an untrained interpreter can be unsafe from a clinical safety perspective and can be culturally inappropriate. It is not recommended that untrained interpreters be used due to the potential risks. Refer to "Risks of Using an Untrained Interpreter"

• Children under the age of 20 should not be used to interpret for their parents or other family members