Table 1.

Key practice principles of medical interpretation.

Do’s	Don’ts
Use ‘first person’ reference (eg, I, you).	Use third person reference (eg, ‘The doctor says’, ‘The family says’, ‘They say’).
Remind communicating parties to speak in small chunks.	Have side conversations with either party.
Establish a direct relationship between the doctor and the family.	Allow either party to speak through you, hence becoming a messenger instead of an interpreter.
Explain medical terms in layman language (eg, a breathing tube is placed into the patient’s mouth).	Use medical jargon (eg, intubation).
Interpret based on meaning rather than word-for-word.	Change or omit content of source language.
Maintain neutrality in interpretation.	Take sides.
Ensure completeness and accuracy when interpreting.	Vary or alter communication content due to own discomfort.
Seek clarification if unsure of meaning of a term used by any party.	Allow personal opinion or feelings to alter the interpretation.
Ask doctor for follow-up action, if any.	Carry out other tasks other than interpretation (eg, help the doctor contact an embassy).
Maintain confidentiality.
Observe one’s own pace and tone of speech.