I have spoken about this in the past, but I believe this is worth considering once again. Healthcare interpreters need to be proficient and the three modes of interpretation. What are they and when are they needed?
1 Consecutive Interpreting
By far the most common and preferred method of interpreting for medical interpreters is consecutive interpreting. Consecutive interpreting requires the interpreter to listen to the source message being spoken and then to convey it in the target language. It takes a little more time to do this, but it is also more accurate. In a medical setting where accuracy is paramount, consecutive interpreting is really the best way to go.
2 Simultaneous Interpreting
Simultaneous interpreting is less accurate than consecutive interpreting and can quickly cause mental fatigue. If you want to ensure the most accurate rendition, simultaneous interpreting is not really recommended. However, for health care interpreters there are moments when simultaneous interpreting is not only appropriate but also necessary.
For example, if the doctor converses with the nurse and is referencing the patient’s case, she is not going to pause for the interpreter. The doctor isn’t directing the information to the patient; she is speaking to the nurse. However, the patient still needs to be “present” during the encounter and be aware of what is being said. This is when simultaneous interpreting is ideal. As the doctor or any other medical professional is having this conversation, the interpreter could render it simultaneously in real-time for the benefit of the patient.
For many people simultaneous interpreting can be extremely challenging. It is a skill that interpreters need to develop and not everyone is proficient at it. This is where you can clearly see a huge difference between the skill of a professional interpreter and a bilingual person attempting to serve as an interpreter.
3 Site Translation/Interpretation
Site translation is another skill that professional interpreters must master that is about as difficult as simultaneous interpreting. Site interpreting is when an interpreter must read a document in the source language and translate it into the target language as if she were reading it in that language. This task is so difficult there are many interpreters refused to do it. It is often strongly recommended that medical forms be translated so that the medical providers’ burden does not fall upon the interpreter. Once again site translation requires unique skills and knowledge of medical terminology that shouldn’t be attempted by an untrained person. Site translation is best left up to skilled professionals.
I strongly encourage medical professionals and facilities to seek out certified medical interpreters. To become certified, they first must pass a written test and then pass an oral skills examination. Only certified interpreters demonstrate the minimum standard of proficiency in all three modes of interpretation. The investment in retaining a professional is a bargain compared to the cost of a malpractice lawsuit.
