1. Choose a professional certified healthcare interpreter and become familiar with the code of ethics
· By reviewing the code of ethics, you will better understand the scope of their work and the interpreting process
· Our library https://alfonsointerpreting.com/library/ has a variety of codes of ethics for your perusal
2. Discuss the process and become acquainted with your interpreter
· Each interpreter’s skill level is different; you can speak with others with the full knowledge that the interpreter is relaying the information simultaneously
· Depending on the interpreter’s expertise, you may need to pause after every sentence or every paragraph for consecutive interpreting
· The interpreter manages the communication flow so all parties may have meaningful conversations
3. Cognitive fatigue
· Any intense exercise requires breaks and recovery time; interpreting (especially simultaneous) exerts intense mental exercise and requires breaks
· Being considerate of an interpreter’s cognitive fatigue will enable him to provide the very best and accurate rendition possible
4. Respect the scope of work
· Interpreters should never explain things the patient doesn’t understand or share personal opinions; that is the job of the healthcare professional
· Please do not ask them to persuade a patient
· Whatever is stated will be interpreted; do not say something to the interpreter that you do not want the other party to hear
· Look at and speak directly to the patient, not the interpreter
· Speak clearly and enunciate; the interpreter cannot render what is not heard
