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.
Standards of Practice
1.1 Maintain fidelity to the meaning of the original message without adding, omitting, distorting or substituting ideas.
Prompt: Did I accurately capture and pass on all the speaker's ideas?
Example: interpreters repeat all that is said, even if it seems redundant, irrelevant, or rude.
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1.2 Include information expressed in the level of formality and style, tone of voice, and any visible non-verbal expressions of the speaker (affect), keeping in mind the context, including cultural context, as well as the purpose of the message.
Prompts: Have I included the meaning expressed in all the nonverbal elements of the message?
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1.3 Ask for clarification of unfamiliar terminology, the meaning of a word in context, or repetition of words that are not heard clearly, to be sure of meaning.
Prompt: Am I fully confident I understand what was said? Would a quick clarification help maintain accuracy?
Example: Interpreters ask clinicians to explain medical terms they are unfamiliar with.
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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.
Prompt: What do I need to consider before intervening to correct my error?
Example: When Interpreters make a mistake, they correct it at the best time to support the goals of the encounter.
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1.5 Evaluate how well all the participants are heard and seen (depending on mode) in the encounter to provide accurate and complete interpretations.
Prompt: Do I have access to as much audio and visual information as the mode of interpretation allows? If not, how can I increase access?
Example: Interpreters make spatial adjustments or ask participants to adjust remote equipment as necessary.
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1.6 Monitor your emotions, biases, and opinions to avoid letting them influence their interpretations.
Prompt: Is the interpreted message faithful to the original even if I, the interpreter, don't agree with it?