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EthnoMed
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| Clinical Pearl
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December 2005
Clinical Pearl: Working with Interpreters
Harborview Medical Center (Seattle WA) provides interpretation for approximately 83 languages, and has recently created small laminated cards with some brief guidelines about working with interpreters.
- Briefly check in with the interpreter, informing them of the goal of visit and asking for cultural input.
- Assure the patient that we are ALL bound by confidentiality.
- Once the visit begins, all communication will be interpreted.
- Speak directly to the patient.
- Ask one question at a time, avoiding the use of jargon, slang or metaphor(s).
- Briefly check-in with the interpreter after the visit, asking for additional cultural input. Share feedback about the interpretation process.
Contact information (telephone and/or web site) should also be provided.
© 1995-2008; University of Washington
Harborview Medical
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