Multicultural Health Unit
Interpreter Services
Role of Health Care Interpreter

Role of Health Care Interpreter

The role of the interpreter

Interpreting is the oral transmission of speech from one language to another. The interpreter's role, therefore, is to facilitate communication between parties who do not have a language in common.

Interpreting requires a thorough knowledge of the culture, world views, values and beliefs expressed in the linguistic structure as well as an understanding of the conceptual framework within which the health care provider and the patient operate. III and distressed patients, at times, require culturally appropriate support and intercession. The professional interpreter fulfils this role with the health care provider in charge of the case, especially when the client is socially and linguistically isolated.

SMALL_interpreter_service

Non-English speaking clients are often not familiar with the health system and available services. The Health Care Interpreter provides such information to clients and their families to facilitate access to existing services and to reduce fears, anxieties and concerns that may impede effective communication. Referrals are also made to other migrant health personnel such as bilingual counsellors or to community welfare agencies.

Translating is the written transmission of messages from one language into another. Translation of documents necessary for the treatment of the patient, instructions and special diets can be carried out by the HCIS. These documents range from simple medication instructions to complex and technical instructions.

Health Care Interpreters can also provide cultural information relevant to the case, and explain concepts that are unique in other cultures or not easily translatable in English. Some of these ideas and concepts are of direct relevance to mental health assessment, treatment and counselling, or may involve services not available in the home country.

All Health Care Interpreters are appropriately qualified professionals. Prior to employment they must complete successfully a comprehensive assessment process by the Commonwealth National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), or other appropriate body. Once employed, the HCIS offers a comprehensive health specific training program which all interpreters must complete successfully. For these reasons it is strongly recommended to avoid the use of family members as this often results in information being censored, or inadequately communicated to the patient. It is also inappropriate to use bilingual health professionals as interpreters.

Specific problems which may arise from the use of non-professional interpreters include the following:

uncertainty regarding the quality of the community language;
uncertainty regarding accuracy of interpretation;
messages may be altered, censored, distorted, suppressed or normalised;
lack of knowledge of interpreting skills, ethics and medical concepts; and
lack of confidentiality.