When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
A medical interpreter is an interpreter that specializes in medical terminology, allowing him or her to effectively communicate with patients who do not speak English that are going to the hospital or other medical facility. The people who are going to a hospital tend to need to get a lot of important information from their doctors It can be very frustrating for them if they do not understand what the doctor is saying. A medical interpreter tends to reduce the overall frustrating that non-English speaking patients have and allows them to get the information that they need. If you are a doctor, however, you might not know what is the best way to make use of your medical interpreter. Here are some tips for effectively working with your medical interpreter.
1. Call for a Medical Interpreter as Soon as Possible
Your first step is to call for a medical interpreter as soon as possible. Have your office try to identify patients who do not speak enough English to understand the instructions or results that you will be giving them and then contact the appropriate interpreter quickly. The sooner you have an interpreter involved in the patient's case, the less stress you will cause the patient and the easier time you will have communicating with the patient. This can go a long way in helping to make sure that your patient enjoys a full recovery quickly.
2. Talk to Your Medical Interpreter Before Going into the Room
Before going into the examining room, you will want to try to set time to talk to your interpreter. Interpreters know about the culture of the language that they speak as well as the language itself. They will be able to help you navigate any cultural landmines, such as asking about the number of sexual partners that a person has had. You interpreter will be able to help you phrase your questions in such a way that you will get the information that you need without upsetting your patient or causing unnecessary distress.
3. Don't Speak to the Interpreter Directly
When you are talking to the patient, address the patient directly. Don't address the interpreter. This will allow you to form a stronger bond with the patient and make him or her feel as though he or she is taken seriously and is respected.
For more information, talk to a company that specializes in medical interpretation, such as Medical Interpreting Associates LLC.
Share29 December 2016
