1. For an in-person interpreter, call the interpreter service and specify the language needed and about how much time the interpretation will take.
When the interpreter arrives, introduce yourself and provide a brief report on the work needed and a brief patient history.
Greet the patient and introduce the interpreter. Explain to the patient what will happen, and let the patient know that he or she can ask the interpreter anything, even if it isn’t the main reason for the interpretation. Then begin the activity.*
When working with the interpreter and patient, communicate directly with the patient. Resist the temptation to talk to or look at the interpreter, unless you need clarification of something he or she said.
Speak in shorter sentences than normal. Doing so makes it easier for the interpreter to remember the sentence and improves the translation’s accuracy.*
If the interpreter appears confused about something you’ve said, ask the interpreter if clarification or rephrasing is needed to improve interpretation quality for the patient.*
Try not to interrupt the interpreter when he or she is translating the patient’s reply. Guessing what the patient is about to say may not always be right, and some cultures perceive interruptions as rude behavior.*
If the interpreter seems to be taking a long time to translate for the patient, it may mean that he or she is trying to phrase the sentence in a way that will be best received. Conversely, if an interpreter simply translates, for example, “yes,” to something the patient took a long time to say, it may be an indication of poor translation quality. Make sure that the interpreter interprets patients’ responses completely. Don’t accept a “yes” or “no” when the patient gave a lot of information, even when you’re in a hurry.
When the encounter finishes, ask the patient if he or she needs anything else while the interpreter is there. Many patients have more needs, and often the interpreter encounter makes them feel comfortable enough to express them.*
After leaving the room with the interpreter, review the encounter to ensure that both you and the interpreter ended up on the same page. The interpreter may also have some cultural insights to share that can help with care planning.
