Week 2 – Discussion Board 2

[Art Liebl]

In at least 250 words, outline the four chief roles of a medical interpreter, citing examples of each. Reply to two fellow students by Monday.

[Danielle Oliveira]

The four chief roles of a medical interpreter are, Message Conveyor or Conduit, Message Clarifier, Cultural Broker/Clarifier, and Patient Advocate.
An example for a Message Conveyor/Conduit is like a water conduit, it transports water from one location to another like how an interpreter transfers information from a provider to the patient and vise versa, and like a water conduit, we don’t leak anything or allow other materials contaminate or mess with our communications.
An example for a Message Clarifier is as if it’s a language educational system. Like the binder states, “think of the word ‘pee’. This is a word we learn when we are children. When we get older we use a higher register for this term such as ‘urinate’.” We help out by hearing how the patient uses a word and even pass on information as to how we can use a higher register for a word or phrasing.
An example for a Cultural Broker/Clarifier is how the stated from the CHIA, “Culture determines how people behave, make decisions, communicate and interact with each other.” It’s our duty to express to the patient we are speaking to how the culture of the region they’re in is different from the culture they grew in and same applies when speaking to the provider to elaborate the difference from the patients culture to the providers.
An example for a Patient Advocate is like speaking up or testifying for someone in the party of who’s speaking.”Interpreters cannot and should not be responsible for everything that everyone does, or doesn’t do. But if they happen to notice something starting to go wrong it is reasonable to bring it to the attention of someone who can correct it” (Kontrimas, 2000)

[Faisal Alsheikh]

The four roles of the interpreter are: 1. Message Conveyor or Conduit: That means interpreters listen to patients and health providers and convert the meaning of all messages from one language to another without unnecessary additions, deletions, or changes in meaning. Arteries, for example, convey the blood from the heart to the organs of the body. Interpreters must manage the flow of communication between all parties, sometimes Interpreters need to intervene when parties speak too fast to allow the interpreter time to interpret. They also need to manage turn-taking between all the parties. 2: Message Clarifier: Interpreters are alert for possible wrong words or concepts that lead to a misunderstanding. Interpreters may need to interrupt the communication process and identify the confusing word or concept. Request to restate the unfamiliar word or concept more simply. using analogies, or “word pictures.” The message clarifier role also focuses on the educational background of the patient, taking into consideration their register to communicate with them effectively. Some patients use the term belly pain, and others in higher education use the term abdomen pan. 3. Cultural Broker/Clarifier: Culture determines how people behave and communicate with each other. When there is evidence that any of the parties, including the interpreter, may be confused by cultural differences, interpreters need to: interrupt the communication; alert both parties to potential misunderstanding; identify the cultural concerns; and explain the patient’s cultural concerns to the provider. 4. Patient Advocate: Individuals with LEP find it difficult to advocate for their right to the same level of care as English-speaking patients. They may experience discrimination. When interpreters witness discrimination by healthcare providers, interpreters may need to remind the parties of the ethical principle requiring interpretation. b. Ask the parties to explain the intentions of their comments. c. Provide the patient with the appropriate information or documents, or refer them to other staff for further assistance. d. If the above strategies are not effective, interpreters could inform their supervisor or another appropriate department. However, interpreters must also consider the potential risks of intervening. The advocate role must remain an optional role for each medical interpreter.

[Jennifer Lopes]

4 Chief roles of Medical Interpreter: 1-Message Conveyor/Conduit= A conduit is a means of transporting something from one location to another.
Example: A water conduit examples takes water from one location and transport it to another. A good interpreter takes the whole utterance from one party and transfers it to other party without adding or subtracting.
2 Message Clarifier= Once again the CHIA sets the standards of message clarifier interpreters acting in the message clarifier role are alert for possible words or concepts that might lead to a misunderstanding.
Example: The interpreter may interject” The interpreter would like to say.”
3 Cultural Broker/Clarifier= Another role we fill is that of cultural broker or clarifier. Quoting once more time from the CHIA “Cultures determines how people behave, make decision, communicate and interact with each other.” Culture and language are inseparable.
Example: Interrupt the communication process with word, gesture, comments as appropriate.
4 Patient Advocate= Interpreters can not/should not be responsible for everything that everyone does or does not do, But if they happen to notice something starting to go wrong bring it to attention of someone who can correct it before it becomes a problem.
Example: Many immigrants may be unfamiliar with USA healthcare system services and their healthcare rights.

[Faisal Alsheikh]

Hi jennifer, nice post. You pointed out all of the main  roles of medical interpreters clearly.

• This reply was modified 1 week, 4 days ago by Faisal Alsheikh.

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