In British Columbia, the Interpreter's Lab has developed an innovative approach to interpreting in mental health settings. They use a collaborative model that increases the heath care provider's understanding of the interpreter's role and uses advanced interpreting strategies to ensure more transparency and collaboration during the interpreted encounter. In short, the model helps develop a stronger understanding between the health care provider and the interpreter and apply strategies for more effective interpreting, while maintaining the client and their well-being at the centre of the encounter.
Allow extra time, because everything said has to be said at least twice
Use only qualified trained interpreters
Face the patient directly and speak to him/her in first person
Observe the patient, not the interpreter
Speak slowly and clearly and use short sentences
Explain all medical terms in simple language
Use a telephone interpreter if necessary to reduce clients' anxiety about confidentiality.
Remember that one word in English might require a phrase or sentence in the target language
Always allow time for patient to ask questions and seek clarification
Always ask the patient to repeat specific instructions you have provided to the patient to ensure that he/she understood the instructions
Reminder: Do not say anything in the interpreted session that you would not say in an English-only session. The patient who understands basic English may understand any comments during the session.
Document the first and last name of the interpreter in the progress notes
Whenever possible, provide the interpreter with a brief summary about the patient prior to the start of the session
Do not leave the patient alone with the interpreter for any length of time
Remember to retrieve any notes from the interpreter, that he/she wrote during the session, before the interpreter leaves
Do not provide the interpreter with any patient contact information
If possible, book the same interpreter for all of a particular client's visits.
During a cognitive assessment, it is important that the interpreter refrain from giving hints or extra instructions to clients that may defeat the purpose of the assessment. For example, in the “serial sevens” test of concentration and memory, the exact instruction varies, but often it is, “Take the number 100, subtract 7, and keep subtracting 7 until I say stop.” If this statement is interpreted as, “What is 100 minus 7? [wait for answer]... Please minus 7 again... minus 7 again...,” the interpreter is essentially reminding the client what to do and therefore limiting the ability of the health care provider to complete an accurate diagnosis. When administrating a cognitive assessment, plan for a briefing with the interpreter before the encounter begins to review the assessment tool(s) that will be administered.