Divas Interpretation Services

Competent Cross-Cultural Communication, Skillful and Caring

 

Working With An Interpreter

Exchange of Medical Information
Follow the process to request medical interpreters whenever exchanging medical information with non-English, LEP (Limited English Proficient) and deaf or hard of hearing patients to ensure patient’s rights.

Summary guidelines to work with D.I.S. medical interpreters.

  1. Prior to Seeing the Patient
    • Give background & set goals to “get on the same page”, before entering the room.
    • Encourage clarification.
  2. Etiquette
    • Address the patient, not the interpreter, and maintain primary eye contact with your patient.
    • Don’t “think out loud”. Patients wonder what is NOT being interpreted and sometimes understand more than they can speak.
    • What ever you say will be interpreted to the patient.
  3. The Dialogue
    • Keep a comfortable pace that will allow time for interpretation.
    • Avoid medical jargon and idiomatic expressions to make the encounter less complicated.
    • Listen before redirecting.
    • Give full information on diagnosis, tests, and treatment.
    • Confirm understanding and agreement with patient to ensure compliance.
    • Encourage interpreter to clarify terms with you. Feel free to ask interpreter to interpret back to you whenever you are concerned about the accuracy and completeness of the interpretation.
  4. Debriefing
    • Use the interpreter as a resource for you.
    • Speak privately with the medical interpreter who may perceive cultural and emotional subtleties more clearly.
  5. Ensure Accuracy and Confidentiality
    • Do not ask the patients to bring their own interpreter.
    • Do not ask another patient to help you interpret.
    • Do not use children or family members.
    • Do not use non-qualified hospital support staff.
  6. Documentation
    Document the presence of the  Medical Interpreter on the patient's chart. 
    All the D.I.S., medical interpreters carry ID's indentifying them as such.
Outpatient
Schedule medical interpreters for ASL & languages at least 48 hours in advance.
Contact us to make conference calls for patients for things such as:
  • confirm appointments, tests and procedures.
  • give instructions for an upcoming test or procedure.
  • give normal test results.
  • do a phone consultation.
  • *DO NOT USE THE INTERNET TO TRANSLATE DOCUMENTS BECAUSE IT IS MISLEADING AND WOULD COMPROMISE PATIENT CARE. D.I.S. has certified translators available.
  • Document the use of an D.I.S. medical interpreter on the patient’s records or progress notes.
  • Document when the patient refuses the D.I.S. medical interpreter.
  • Ask the D.I.S. medical interpreter for cultural clarification when needed.
  • Follow the D.I.S. provider guidelines to ensure better communication with your patient.

*NOTE: the medical interpreter will NOT sign any type of form/document unless the provider has fully explained the standard protocols and possible risks for the procedure in person.

DON’TS

  • Do not ask the D.I.S medical interpreter to escort patients.
  • Do not ask the D.I.S medical interpreter to explain procedures to patients without your presence.
  • Do not ask the D.I.S medical interpreter to take the patient’s medical history.
  • Do not ask the D.I.S medical interpreter to keep the patient company while waiting to be seen.
© 2011 Divas Interpretation Services