Nikki Lopresti Director of Operations All Access Interpreters, LLC March 22, 2012.

Nikki LoprestiDirector of Operations

All Access Interpreters, LLCMarch 22, 2012

Video: Communicating Effectively Through an Interpreter

An instructional video for health care providers

Created by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program

Interpreters can do the following to ensure clear communication:

Pre-session Unobtrusive position Use of the 1st person Accurate interpretation,

not a literal interpretation

No opinions, no advice Cultural insights Transparent

communication Less intrusive

Providers can do the following when working with an untrained interpreter:

Maintain controlDo a pre-sessionSeat the interpreter

unobtrusivelySpeak to the patient,

not the interpreter

Assume and insist that everything be interpreted

Remember lack of equivalence

Speak in shorter sentences

Ask one question at a timeAvoid slang and difficult

terminologyCheck for understandingStay positive

Purpose of the Interpreter

To facilitate understanding in

communication between people who are

speaking different languages.

Roles that are inappropriate for an Interpreter:

Interpreters are not social workersInterpreters are not the patient’s emotional

support systemInterpreters are not the patient’s best friendInterpreters cannot guarantee that the patient

will be happy with the interviewNor can they guarantee that the provider will be

happy

The interpreter merely acts as a bridge between people who speak different languages.

Training for Medical InterpretersBridging the Gap

Developed by The Cross Cultural Health Care Program

A 40-hour training program for interpreters and bilingual employees

who work in a medical setting.

BTG is a nationally recognized training program that covers:

Basic interpreting skills and managing the flow of the session.

Information on the U.S. health care system, anatomy and basic medical procedures.

CultureCommunication skills and appropriate

advocacyProfessional conduct and self care.

Training for Mental Health Interpreters

12-week certificate programMental health delivery systems

and the professionals who work in the field

Mental health diagnoses and interventions

Dynamics of therapyRoles & Ethics of interpreters

National Council on Interpreting in Health Care (NCIHC)

The NCIHC is a multidisciplinary organization whose mission is to promote and enhance language access in health

care in the United States.

Developed a National Code of Ethicsand

Standards of Practice

www.ncihc.org

Code of Ethics for Medical Interpreters by the NCIHC

1. Confidentiality2. Accuracy3. Impartiality4. Maintain professional boundary5. Cultural awareness6. Be respectful7. Advocacy8. Professional development9. Act in professional and ethical manner

Who is NOT an appropriate choice for an Interpreter?

Friends of any LEP patientFamily member of LEP patientMinor ChildrenAnyone who has not demonstrated proficiency in

both languagesAnyone who has not received training in

interpretationAnyone who does not have an understanding of

ethics and interpreting practices

Reasons for encouraging Providers not to Use Friends, Family or Minor Children as Interpreters:

May cause a breach of confidentiality

LEP patient may be reluctant to reveal important information

Upsets familial relationships and hierarchies that are deeply rooted in culture

More Reasons for encouraging Providers not to Use Friends, Family or Minor Children as Interpreters:

Some family members may omit possible risks in a medical procedure in not wanting to scare the patient

Family members may answer questions for the patient without asking the patient first

Title VI of the Office of Civil Rights of 1964

Can not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin, if you are receiving federal funds

Can not require that an LEP patient bring a friend or family member to interpret

Can not ask that an LEP patient pay for an interpreter

Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care

(CLAS Standards)Issued by the U.S. Department of Health

and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.

The aim of the standards is to contribute to the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities and to improve the health of all Americans.

14 CLAS StandardsOrganized by themes: Culturally Competent Care,

Language Access Services and Organizational Supports for Cultural Competence

For example: Standard #4 states:Health Care Organizations must offer and

provide language assistance services, including bilingual staff and interpreter services, at no cost to each patient / consumer with limited English

proficiency at all points of contact, in a timely manner during all operations

www.ThinkCulturalHealth.hhs.gov

Types of Interpreting

On-Site

Over-the-phone

Video

Demo of Video Interpreting

Interpreters at your fingertips.

Tools for Providers“Language Identification Flashcard: http://www.lep.gov/resources/ISpeakCards2004.pdf

www.LEP.gov/resources/resources.html

Cross Cultural Health Care Programwww.xculture.org

Contact Information:

Nikki LoprestiDirector of Operations

All Access Interpreters, LLC3225 S. Brentwood Blvd., Suite 209E

St. Louis, MO [email protected]

314-259-1010 888-508-8538

www.aai-vri.com