Page 56 - 2020 ARE eGuide for Clinical at Nonhospital Sites

Using an Interpreter

It is an inappropriate responsibility for families
to take on the role of interpreter and may
actually place the provider in violation of the
Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the August 30, 2000
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Policy Guidance.

The rationale for using professional
interpreters is clear. Professional interpreters
have been trained to provide accurate, sensitive
two-way communication and uncover areas of
uncertainty or discomfort.
Family members are often too emotionally
involved to tell the patient's story fully and
objectively, or lack the technical knowledge to
convey the provider's message accurately.
Although it may seem natural to look at the
interpreter when you are speaking, you want the
patient to feel that you are speaking to her/him,
so you should look directly at her/him, just as
you would if you were able to speak her/his
language.

It is best to speak in a normal tone of voice, at
a normal pace, rather than pausing between
words.