Week 2 – Discussion Board 1

[Art Liebl]

In at least 250 words, discuss the benefits of doing a pre-session with Yourself, the provider and the patient? What are possible scenarios that might be avoided by doing a pre-session? Do you think it is always necessary to do a pre-session with providers? Reply to two fellow students by Monday.

[Brian Pacheco]

I feel like there would be multiple benefits of doing a pre-session with myself, the patient and the provider. I feel like it sets clear expectations right from the start explaining what my role is/will be as well as provide all involved with a clear picture of what to expect. Benefits may include eliminating fear, worry of information presented/needed to be spoken about by the patient as well as eliminate any questions of my role with the provider. It provides the information prior to the visit leaving room for questions to be asked ahead of time to clear up any unclear thoughts or ideas of what the visit may be going to entail.

The possible scenarios that could be avoided could include eliminating confusion about who I am and what my role is/what I am there to do.It could possibly eliminate the patient thinking that i am there to speak for them within the given information of the situation (more as a friend or family member who knows them personally) or take their side on what needs to be said. It could also prevent both the provider and the patient from talking too long or giving too much information all at once without pausing not allowing me enough time to correctly interpret what is being said.

I feel like it would be best to always do a pre-session when/if allowed. Letting the provider know who I am and what my role is, I feel would be preferred and ideal. However, I also believe that in an emergent situation, we should be able to accurately and professionally interpret the information needed without having had a pre-session.

[Emily Arias-Perez]

I agree it would always be best to do a pre-session

[Alexandra Cumplido]

Hi Brian, I agree there should be a precession done in the majority of cases to clarify your role and prevent ny misunderstandings. It is very important to makeit clear to both the provider and patient that you will be talking in first person and are solely their voice and everything is interpreted and it is confidential. In emergent situations you can quickly state that to the patient as most providers have worked with interpreters and know our role to save you some time if needed. You may not always be able to ask questions prior to seeing the patient but as an interpreter you are a message clarifier and conveyor so you can ask for clarification to better relay the message to the patient.

[Brian Pacheco]

Makes sense quickly stating that to the patient in an emergent situation.

[Shannelys Guzman]

I feel like it would be best to always do a pre-session with the provider as well but like you said in an emergent situation we wouldn’t have a chance. This is a great point and very true. I have seen it first hand it can be done quick and effective.

[Judy Guarin]

Hello Brian, I agree with you, doing a pre-session it’s absolutely important and interpreting can also be done without a pre-session if there’s not time for one.

[Dayane Malone]

I agree with everything you said and that in an emergency situation theres no need for a pre session.

[Alejandra Gana]

hello everyone, the benefits of doing a pre-session with our selves first is to make sure we are prepared as in which kind of appointment we will be having, what kind of vocabulary will I be using, what part of the body is going to be talked about and also make sure I talk to the provider before entering the room and to have in mind what will I talk to the patient about before helping her or him. I think it is very important to do a pre-session with the provider that way you can introduced yourself, stablish yourself as the professional interpreter to clarify your role.

[Brian Pacheco]

Hi Alejandra, Yes I agree! Doing a pre-session will definitely make things go smoother!

• This reply was modified 2 weeks, 4 days ago by Brian Pacheco.

[Alexandra Cumplido]

Hi Alejandra, when interpreting in a specific clinic that gives you a better idea of what the appointment will be about. When in the ER or a PCP appointment you may not always be able to be prepare on the vocabulary that will take place as only the patient has this information. In this sence your job is to specify your role as an interpreter to the provider and patient and the precession with yourself includes being prepared with a pen and notepad to be ready to take notes as needed.

[Emily Arias-Perez]

You can never go wrong with a per-session.

[Dayane Malone]

I agree with you and think its important to have a pre session if possible.

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

Hi, I completely agree with you, doing a pre-session before the appointment starts can be so beneficial for everyone!

[Alejandra Gana]

possible scenarios to avoid I think is just like Brian Pacheco said, been prepared is always best since our role is to give the patient the most accurate information possible.

[Alejandra Gana]

and like I said before it is necessary to do a pre-session with all people involved in the appointment, it will for sure make our role go a lot smoother without hopefully no miscommunication and clear understanding for all parties.

[Emily Arias-Perez]

There are multiple reasons why doing pre-sessions are beneficial. Doing a pre-session with the patient can help them understand why the interpreter is there, what role the interpreter plays and what to expect from the interpreter.
The pre-session with the provider is also just as important because it is crucial for the interpreter to get all the information needed for the real interpreting session to be able to successfully interpret the provider’s message. Although the provider/patient pre-sessions are crucial, the most important is the pre-session with yourself.
This session will help the interpreter gather as much information from the provider and patient to help better understand the reason for the encounter. Gathering this information will help the interpreter prepare for what will or may be said/interpreted.

[Brian Pacheco]

I agree, it will definitely help knowing why we are there!

[Shannelys Guzman]

I also agree it helps to know why we there. Love that you said the most important is the pre-session with yourself because I feel as that is very true we walk in more prepared and confident.

[Judy Guarin]

Hi Emily, Yes I agree with you 100%! A pre-session with yourself it’s mostly important because gathering all of the information from both the Patient and the Dr. prior to the visit will allow the interpretation to run smoothly and effectively.

[Shannelys Guzman]

I believe pre-sessions are very valuable. A pre-session with yourself allows you to go into that visit feeling confident because that time was taken with oneself to prep as best could. While a pre-session with myself, the provider, and the patient gives everyone that welcoming intro where we set the expectations for the visit and how my job is to effectively have both parties communicating graciously through me.

There are lots of possible scenarios that can be avoided by doing a pre-session with myself, the provider, and the patient. We can avoid the patient and the provider having incorrect ideas of what we can say or do. We can avoid the assumptions and misleading beliefs of who we are and how much we control the outcome vs just interpreting the visit. We avoid the patient believing we hold answers to their questions or can be that friend to advise when we cannot.

I don’t believe a pre-session with the provider is always necessary. At times because depending on the circumstances you may benefit from one. Lets say a terminal illness/diagnosis or a death if possible a pre-session would be beneficial for both individuals.

[Dayane Malone]

I believe a pre session involving myself (the interpreter), the provider, and the patient offers many benefits that can improve the overall quality, accuracy, and efficiency of the encounter. A pre-session allows everyone to establish clear communication and expectations, understanding each other’s roles, and clarify the goals of the session before interpretation begins is beneficial. This preparation ensures that the interpreter is well informed about the setting and terminology leading to a smoother and more professional interaction between everyone involved.
One major benefit of a pre session is the opportunity to clarify confidentiality and accuracy expectations. By explaining to both parties that everything said will be interpreted faithfully and confidentially the interpreter helps build trust and sets the foundation for effective communication. It also allows the interpreter to ask the provider about the nature of the appointment whether it’s medical, mental health, or social services so they can mentally prepare for potential technical terms or sensitive topics.
A pre session can help avoid misunderstandings or ethical issues. For example, without one, a patient might start speaking directly to the interpreter instead of the provider, expecting advice or opinions. Similarly, the provider may use complex terminology or abbreviations unfamiliar to the patient. Addressing these scenarios beforehand prevents confusion and maintains professionalism. A pre session also helps avoid logistical issues like unclear seating arrangements, overlapping speech, or cultural misunderstandings that might compromise communication.
However, it may not always be necessary to conduct a full pre-session especially in short, routine, or emergency situations where time is limited. Whenever possible, a pre-session enhances collaboration and ensures a respectful, accurate, and effective communication experience for everyone involved.

• This reply was modified 1 week, 6 days ago by Dayane Malaone.

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

I love how you explained how a pre-session can avoid problems!

[Luanna Vieira Rosa]

A few benefits of doing a pre-session with yourself is preparing yourself for what will be talked about in this appointment, and can quickly refresh your mind on what vocabulary you could use during the appointment. Doing a pre-session with the provider will help clarify my neutral role of letting the provider know I will be interpreting everything being said, and that he/she can talk directly to the patient. This is also a time where I am able to ask the provider to take a pause every few sentences so that I can accurately interpret what is being said. I feel that this will also assure the provider that everything is being communicated correctly.
For the patient, the pre-session assures them that everything being said is confidential and that everything they are saying will be communicated effectively and efficiently back to the provider. I can also let them know that I am not allowed to give my own opinion or advice on whatever is being talked about.
Several problems can be avoided through a pre-session, such as preventing misunderstandings about confidentiality, and ethical issues like me as the interpreter being asked my opinion of advice. It can also prevent the provider talking too quickly or not taking enough pauses, and lastly it can prevent the patient feeling unsure of confidentiality.
In some cases like emergency appointments, I may not have time for a pre-session, but it is definitely something all interpreters should do before beginning the appointment as long as it is possible.

[Judy Guarin]

Good afternoon to all, a pre-session it’s a very important step in medical interpreting because it helps with the accuracy, professionalism, and trust during the visit. Doing a pre-session with myself (the interpreter), the Provider, and the Patient helps to reassure that everyone understands their roles and boundaries. For me, a pre-session will help me to mentally prepare by reviewing the medical terminology that will be used and to be familiar with the topic of the visit. With the Provider, a pre-session allows clarification of the type of interpretation he/she is looking for and what topic will be discussed, also very important to inform the importance of short segments for accuracy during the interpretation to prevent misunderstandings, for example; the Provider continuing to speak without pauses can lead to inaccurate interpreting and confusion. For the Patient, the pre-session will build trust and comfort, by introducing myself, explaining who I am and what my role is; reassuring confidentiality and accuracy on interpreting word for word everything he/she are going to say, will allow the Patient to feel less anxious and more open to speak the truth and be comfortable with what will be said and discussed during their visit.
Not having these pre-sessions can create scenarios of confusion about the roles, mistranslated medical information or health issues, loss of Patient’s trust etc.
I belief a brief pre-session is always beneficial during quick visits or emergencies, this allows to reinforce everyone’s roles and gives the Patient trust, which it’s very important. It will always avoid misunderstandings and confusions.

[Brian Pacheco]

Nicely explained

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