Fidelity is "the unfailing fulfillment of one's duties and obligations and the keeping of one's word or vows. In a related non-personal sense, it refers to faithfulness to an original..."

Fidelity in the health care interpreting profession is a commitment to embodying and upholding the values and ethical principles found in the National Ethics and Standards of Practice for Interpreters in Health Care. Fidelity is demonstrated in three areas.

Fidelity to the Message

Fidelity to the Message means being accurate and true to the original message. This includes preserving the intended meaning, tone, style, and goals of the speaker, with any nuances such as humor, irony, and emotions, so that the perceived message is fully conveyed.

The value of fidelity requires that interpreters have the ability to separate their personal biases from the content of the message. This is not always easy, especially when the substance is difficult, graphic, emotionally laden, or of a nature that elicits in the interpreter feelings of discomfort and even pain. But interpreters do not decide to omit or distort messages because these are personally offensive to them or because they are uncomfortable with the language or content of the message.

Fidelity to the Profession

Fidelity to the Profession means acting in ways that support the credibility and integrity of the interpreting profession.

Fidelity to those served

Fidelity to those served focuses on the function of interpreters to make possible linguistic and interpersonal connections between providers and patients as if they shared the same language and culture. Accurate and complete interpretation supports shared understanding, dialogue, and joint problem-solving.