23 Questions
What is the objective (goal) of the confidentiality standard in health care interpreting?
To maintain trust among all parties
What is the ethical principle related to the standard of impartiality in health care interpreting?
Interpreters strive to maintain impartiality and refrain from counseling, advising, or projecting personal biases or beliefs
What is the objective of the cultural awareness standard in health care interpreting?
To facilitate communication across cultural differences
According to the National Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care, what is one of the key responsibilities of an interpreter when it comes to rendering messages accurately?
The interpreter should repeat everything that is said, even if it seems redundant or irrelevant.
What should an interpreter do if they have made an error in interpretation?
The interpreter should correct the error as soon as possible.
What should an interpreter do if they do not understand something that has been said?
The interpreter should ask for clarification from the speaker.
A patient requests the interpreter's opinion on a healthcare matter Which of these behaviors is within the role of an interpreter in a healthcare encounter?
Redirecting the patient to ask the provider
Which of the following statements accurately describes the ethical business practices of an interpreter?
An interpreter is always prepared for all assignments
What should an interpreter do if they are unfamiliar with a highly technical medical term?
Ask the provider to explain the term before continuing to interpret
Which of the following actions demonstrates the professionalism of an interpreter?
Advocating for working conditions that support quality interpreting
True or false: An interpreter should replicate the register, style, and tone of the speaker.
True
True or false: An interpreter should correct errors in interpretation as soon as possible.
True
True or false: An interpreter should add, omit, or substitute words to make the message more easily understood.
False
True or false: An interpreter with an additional role adheres to all interpreting standards of practice while interpreting.
True
True or false: The interpreter discloses skill limitations with respect to particular assignments.
True
True or false: The interpreter avoids sight translation, especially of complex or critical documents, if he or she lacks sight translation skills.
True
True or false: The interpreter acts in a manner befitting the dignity of the profession and appropriate to the setting.
True
True or false: The interpreter is allowed to discuss a patient's case with family or community members without the patient's consent.
False
True or false: The interpreter is allowed to leave notes on an interpreting session in public view.
False
True or false: The interpreter is allowed to reveal personal feelings through words, tone of voice, or body language.
False
Give an example of how an interpreter can manage the flow of communication.
An interpreter may ask a speaker to pause or slow down to ensure the message is effectively conveyed.
How can an interpreter continue to develop their language and cultural knowledge and interpreting skills?
An interpreter stays up to date on changes in medical terminology or regional slang.
When may an interpreter be justified in acting as an advocate?
An interpreter may speak out to protect an individual from serious harm.
Study Notes
Standards of Practice
- Rendering the message accurately:
- Render all messages accurately and completely, without adding, omitting, or substituting
- Replicate the register, style, and tone of the speaker
- Advise parties that everything said will be interpreted
- Manage the flow of communication
- Correct errors in interpretation
- Maintain transparency
Confidentiality
- Maintain confidentiality and do not disclose information outside the treating team, except with the patient's consent or if required by law
- Protect written patient information in one's possession
Impartiality
- Maintain impartiality and refrain from counseling, advising, or projecting personal biases or beliefs
- Do not allow personal judgments or cultural values to influence objectivity
- Disclose potential conflicts of interest, withdrawing from assignments if necessary
Respect
- Treat all parties with respect
- Use professional, culturally appropriate ways of showing respect
- Promote direct communication among all parties in the encounter
- Promote patient autonomy
Cultural Awareness
- Strive to develop awareness of the cultures associated with the languages interpreted, including biomedical culture
- Alert all parties to any significant cultural misunderstanding that arises
Role Boundaries
- Maintain the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement
- Limit personal involvement with all parties during the interpreting assignment
- Limit professional activity to interpreting within an encounter
- Adhere to all interpreting standards of practice while interpreting, even with an additional role
Professionalism
- Act in a professional and ethical manner
- Be honest and ethical in all business practices
- Be prepared for all assignments
- Disclose skill limitations with respect to particular assignments
- Avoid sight translation, especially of complex or critical documents, if lacking sight translation skills
- Be accountable for professional performance
- Advocate for working conditions that support quality interpreting
- Show respect for professionals with whom you work
- Act in a manner befitting the dignity of the profession and appropriate to the setting
Professional Development
- Strive to further knowledge and skills through independent study, continuing education, and actual interpreting practice
- Continuously develop language and cultural knowledge and interpreting skills
- Seek feedback to improve performance
- Support the professional development of fellow interpreters
- Participate in organizations and activities that contribute to the development of the profession### Interpreter Development
- Continuously develops language and cultural knowledge as well as interpreting skills to stay updated.
- Stays current with changes in medical terminology and regional slang to ensure accurate interpretation.
Performance Improvement
- Seeks feedback to improve performance and service quality.
- Consults with colleagues to discuss challenging assignments and share experiences.
Professional Development
- Supports the professional growth of fellow interpreters through mentorship and guidance.
- Shares expertise with novice interpreters to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Professional Involvement
- Participates in organizations and activities that promote the development of the interpreting profession.
- Attends professional workshops and conferences to stay updated on best practices and industry trends.
Advocacy Objective
- Prioritizes prevention of harm to parties served, upholding the ethical principle of protecting individuals from harm.
- May take on an advocacy role in situations where an individual's health, well-being, or dignity is at risk.
Quiz: Standards of Practice for Interpreters Test your knowledge on the ethical principle of accurately conveying messages while considering cultural context. This quiz covers guidelines such as not adding, omitting, or substituting information. Challenge yourself to master the art of faithful interpretation.
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