Guideline 9: Family carers as interpreters
8 out of 10ACTIVITY: Managing resistance to use an interpreter
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There a numerous reasons that patients and carers resist professional interpreters. Click on each of the bubbles to see suggested responses to common reasons against using an interpreter
We are from a small community, and I don’t want the interpreter to tell everyone we know about my cancer
Please be reassured that the interpreters we use are professionals and must comply with the same privacy/confidentiality laws as other health professionals
I don’t have the money to pay an interpreter
Professional health care interpreters are a free service
Doctors and nurses don’t value family carers
Being a cancer carer can be
difficult emotionally, and it is
common for family members
to feel anxious or distressed.
Psychologists, counsellors,
and social workers are
available to family carers who
may need extra support
My English is very good, and I can do all of the interpreting. I’m used to it
Using a professional interpreter is for all of our benefit, including me. I am reassured that [patient] is getting the medical information translated accurately- as they are experts in translating medical terminology, which is not something we would expect of family
If we have an interpreter, then I become pointless. I might as well not come
Family members are always helpful in situations like this. Using a professional interpreter often takes some of the pressure off the family member. You are still an important part of this consultation, it is just that we will leave the medical interpretation up to someone else so that you can focus on taking in the information, asking questions and being here as a support to [patient]”.
OVERALL COMPLETION
