Working with Interpreters

INTERPRETATION- ISSUES AND STRATEGIES:

  • Professional interpretation provides effective communication and a climate of respect.
  • Even patients who seem to be able to communicate in Basic English may have limited understanding of medical terminology. Technical language and other aspects of health care exacerbate non-fluency.
  • Patients must fully understand their treatment plans if they are to be active and compliant participants in their care.
  • While family members and friends are often the most commonly available interpreters, the interpersonal dynamics of these relationships can influence the communication.
  • Confidentiality also must be addressed. Interpreters understand their role- that they are gaining access to personal health information that must be protected.

WORKING EFFECTIVELY WITH INTERPRETERS:

  • The interpreter's time is as important as your own.
  • Give the information to the interpreter in short sentences. Interpreters have to remember, and then translate, everything that they hear- short sentences reduce the risk of error or omissions.
  • Sometimes there is no direct translation. The interpreter may need extra time or additional direction to convey your words correctly.
  • Write down key points, directions and any other important information that can be easily confused or forgotten
  • Consider holding a debriefing session with the interpreter to investigate if the interpreter observed anything you should know about. They can give you clues on understanding non-verbal communication or cultural differences.
Ffice : 323 main st. • west haven, ct 06516 • phone: 203-937-7181 north haven office : 116 washington ave. • north haven, ct 06473 • phone: 203-239-7181 meriden office : 546 s. Broad st. , suite 2a • meriden, ct 06450 • phone: 203-639-0800 mansfield office : 10 higgins hwy. , suite. generic cialis Thirty-day mortality was 3% in the unilateral and 8% in the bilateral group (p=0. 34). Postoperative ventilation occurred in 5% in the unilateral and in 42% in the bilateral group (p=0. 0002). The decline of fev1 during the first postoperative year was significant in the bilateral group (−313 ml/y, p=0. 04) but not significant in the unilateral group (−50 ml/y, p=0. 18). Sf 36 scores in all eight domains were similar in both groups preoperatively and at any postoperative interval.