Medical Interpreting Standards of Practice 042810

MEDICAL INTERPRETING STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

Developed by: International Medical Interpreters Association &

Education Development Center, Inc.

Adopted October, 1995. International Medical Interpreters Association. Copyright ? 2007, 1998, 1997, 1996 by International Medical Interpreters Association, now International Medical Interpreters Association and Education Development Center, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

MEDICAL INTERPRETING STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

Terms of Use

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise (unless used for communication with the authors) without permission of the authors.

Discrimination Prohibited: No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, or be so treated on the basis of sex under most education programs or activities receiving Federal assistance.

The activity that is the subject of this report was developed with support from the International Medical Interpreters Association and the Department of Education, Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Education, and no official endorsement by the Department should be inferred.

For more information on the development of the standards, contact:

Mar?a-Paz Beltr?n Avery Education Development Center, Inc. 55 Chapel Street Newton, MA 02458-1060

The Standards of Practice are available online at no cost at: For ordering print copies please go to: For information on the International Medical Interpreters Association go to:

International Medical Interpreters Association 750 Washington Street, NEMC Box 271 Boston, MA 02111-1845 E-mail: info@

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MEDICAL INTERPRETING STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

To Raquel Cashman, friend and colleague, whose concern for excellence,

justice, and harmony guides this work.

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MEDICAL INTERPRETING STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Preface........................................................................................................................................................... 7 Preface from October 1998 printing ........................................................................................................... 8 Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 10

The Development Process ..................................................................................................................... 11 The Standards of Practice.......................................................................................................................... 12

A. Interpretation.................................................................................................................................. 13 B. Cultural Interface ........................................................................................................................... 15 C. Ethical Behavior.............................................................................................................................. 17 Potential Uses ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Looking to the Future ............................................................................................................................ 19 Medical Interpreting Standards of Practice ............................................................................................. 20 Evaluation Method ................................................................................................................................ 20 Duty A: Interpretation.......................................................................................................................... 21

A-1 Introduce self and explain role .................................................................................................. 21 A-2 Manage the spatial configuration of patient-provider-interpreter to maximize ease and directness of communication. ........................................................................................................... 23 A-3 Maintain the linguistic register and style of the speaker......................................................... 24 A-4 Address the `comfort needs' of the patient in relation to the interpreter with regard to factors such as age, gender, and other potential areas of discomfort............................................ 25 A-5 Select appropriate mode of interpretation (consecutive, simultaneous, sight translation; first or third person)........................................................................................................................... 26 A-6 Accurately transmits information between patient and provider. ......................................... 27 A-7 Encourage direct communication between patient and provider. ......................................... 28 A-8 Ensure that the listener understands the message. .................................................................. 29 A-9 Ensure that the interpreter understands the message to be transmitted. .............................. 30

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MEDICAL INTERPRETING STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

A-10 Manage the flow of communication in order to preserve accuracy and completeness, and to build rapport between provider and patient............................................................................... 31 A-11 Manage the dynamics of the triad ......................................................................................... 322 A-12 Manage personal internal conflict ........................................................................................... 33 A-13 Manage conflict between provider and patient ..................................................................... 34 A-14 Do a self-check on accuracy of interpretation and correct own mistakes. ........................... 35 A-15 Assist the provider with interview closure activities. ........................................................... 36 A-16 Ensure that concerns raised during or after an interview are addressed and referred to the appropriate resources. ....................................................................................................................... 37 A-17 Complete appropriate documentation of the interpreter's work. ........................................ 38 A-18 Follow up (outside the triadic encounter) as necessary......................................................... 39 Duty B: Cultural Interface ................................................................................................................... 40 B-1 Use culturally appropriate behavior.......................................................................................... 40 B-2 Recognize and address instances that require intercultural inquiry to ensure accurate and complete understanding.................................................................................................................... 41 Duty C: Ethical Behavior...................................................................................................................... 42 C-1 Maintain confidentiality. ............................................................................................................ 42 C-2 Interpret accurately and completely.......................................................................................... 43 C-3 Maintain impartiality. ................................................................................................................. 44 C-4 Respect patient's privacy............................................................................................................ 45 C-5 Maintain professional distance. ................................................................................................. 46 C-6 Maintain professional integrity.................................................................................................. 47 C-7 Deal with discrimination. ........................................................................................................... 48 References................................................................................................................................................... 49

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