1. Accuracy And Completeness

Principle

Healthcare interpreters render the meaning of messages accurately and completely, taking into consideration the relationship between language and culture.

Objective

To make possible communication between a patient and provider who do not speak the same language or share the same cultural context.

Description

Accuracy and completeness focus on transmitting meaning as closely as possible. Both are crucial for building trust among the participants in the interpreted encounter and ensuring that both parties have the information needed to make informed decisions.

Standards of Practice

1.1 Maintain fidelity to the meaning of the original message without adding, omitting, distorting or substituting ideas. 1.2 Identify and honor the communicative intent of the speaker, that may be expressed in the level of terminology and style, tone of voice, and any visible non-verbal expressions of the speaker (that is, affect), keeping in mind the context, including cultural context. 1.3 Ask for clarification when encountering unfamiliar words, or when the meaning of a word in context is unclear. 1.4 Monitor the interpretation for errors, and assess when and how to correct any errors that influence the meaning of the message or the participants’ goals for the encounter. 1.5 Take actions to be able to hear and see as much as the modality allows to ensure accuracy and completeness. 1.6 Monitor our emotions, biases, and opinions to avoid letting them influence our interpretation.