Medical interpretation ethics behooves the interpreter to adhere to their professional code of conduct at all times. This means that the MI is going to interpret everything said in the clinical encounter with the patient, including any differences of opinion, conflicts or unpleasant interactions that happen during that encounter. The MI is not there as to sensor the conversation or interpret selectively.
VJ Periyakoil, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Tweet to us: @palliator
How can we make the MI feel more included in the clinical encounter?
Lot of times, the medical interpreter is walking into a sensitive situation and they can be caught off guard and feel disconnected from the encounter.
So, how should we brief them about the context so they can be better prepared? More importantly, are their specific challenges the MI can help with? For e.g. how to handle the loving but forceful daughter who will not let the patient (her mother) have a voice in her care?
VJ Periyakoil, MD, Stanford University School of Medicine.
Tweet to us: @palliator
