Medical Interpreter-Roles and ethics EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ALREADY GRADED A+

Code of Ethics Set of principles or values that govern the conduct of members of a profession while they are engaged in the enactment of that profession. Guidelines for making judgments about what is acceptable and desirable behavior in a given context or particular relationship. (NCIHC, 6) Core Duty To make possible the communication between two parties - patient & provider - who do not speak the same language in order to achieve the goal of the encounter - the health and well-being of the patient. (NCIHC, 8) Ethos Moral custom Ethic Principle of good conduct 6 Tenets of Code of Ethics Confidentiality, Accuracy, Professionalism, Impartiality, Use Advocacy and Cultural Interface Roles Appropriately, Professional Development Confidentiality, Confidencialidad Interpreters will maintain confidentiality of all assignment-related information. Do not disclose assignment-related information unless with the expressed permission of all parties or if required by law. (IMIA, 1) "Right to Know" The norms of the U.S. medical system value and protect the autonomy of the individual. It is with the individual that the right to know rests unless the patient has explicitly or implicitly indicated otherwise. Breaking the Code of Confidentiality (1) The patient has communicated the desire to hurt self or others. (2) There are statements of child, domestic, or elderly abuse. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Ensure Confidentiality (1) Avoid discussing sensitive medical information in hallways, elevators, etc. (2) Shred medical notes after assignment or shift. (3) Disclose to both parties that you are bound by a Code of Ethics to maintain information confidential. (4) Do not volunteer health information about a patient to family members. (5) Do not share the name of the patient or other identifying information when discussing case studies. (6) Do not leave any document with the patient's name in a public area. Medical interpreter three core values Beneficence Fidelity Respect for cultural differences Beneficence Core value that is shared with other health care professions. Essential obligation and duty to support the health and well-being of the patient and their system of support and to do no harm. Fidelity Interpreters vow to remain faithful to the original message as they convert utterances from one language into another without adding to, omitting from, or distorting the original message. Respect for cultural differences Understanding speaker's cultural frame of reference and being aware that cultural differences in perspectives and alternative views of the world can lead to critical misunderstandings and miscommunication. Roles of the Interpreter Conduit, clarifier, culture broker, advocate Conduit Interpreter acts as a means for what is said by one party to reach the other. This is the basic or default role of the interpreter. The interpreter speaks exactly what has been said in the other language, BECOMING THE VOICE OF THE PATIENT AND THE PROVIDER. Clarifier There are times when a term or phrase is not heard or understood. Usually evidenced by a "blank stare" or a delay in the response to a question. In this role the interpreter checks for understanding and seeks to remove any doubts about what was said. The interpreter assumes this role when he/she believe it is necessary to facilitate understanding. CULTURAL BROKER or CULTURAL INTERFACE Taking on this role implies having knowledge on the particular cultural beliefs of the individuals you are interpreting for. That knowledge of different cultures allows the interpreter to detect cultural misunderstandings and assume the role of cultural interface, providing the necessary cultural framework to clear up any misunderstanding. Advocate Interpreter goes beyond being the patient's voice. Here the interpreter ACTS on certain issues that he/she feels are necessary for the patient to get the appropriate care he needs. THE INTERPRETER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF CARE that the LEP patient is to receive. It is the most "active" role an interpreter can assume and usually the least frequent one. There is a lot of controversy over how much an interpreter should become involved in the patient's healthcare needs. The general consensus is that this role should be assumed by the interpreter TO AVOID HARM TO THE PATIENT OR ANOTHER PARTY. The 9 Principles of the National Code of Ethics for Interpreters in Health Care (NCIHC) 1. Confidentiality 2. Fidelity 3. Impartiality 4. Boundaries (Transparency, Conflicts of Interest) 5. Scope of Practice 6. Professional Courtesy 7. Advocacy 8. Professional Development 9. Professional & Ethical Manner (NCIHC, 21) Accuracy & Completeness Precisión & Completud The principle of fidelity. The interpreter strives to render the message accurately, conveying the content and spirit of the original message, taking into consideration its cultural context. Impartiality Imparcialidad The interpreter strives to maintain impartiality and refrains from counseling, advising, or projecting personal biases or beliefs. Conflict of Interest Conflicto de intereses The interpreter maintains the boundaries of the professional role, refraining from personal involvement. Scope of Practice Àmbito de práctica The interpreter continually strives to develop awareness of their own and other (ex. biomedical) cultures encountered in the performance of their professional duties. Cultural Competency. Disqualification/Impediments to Performance Descalificación/impedimentos al desempeño Interpreters will refrain from accepting assignments beyond their professional skills, language fluency, or level of training. Responsibility to withdraw from assignment if language or content keeps interpreter from enacting role in accordance with the principle of fidelity. Responsibility Toward Ensuring Adequate Working Conditions (ex. interpreter fatigue, 20 minute rule, requesting complex materials ahead of time.) Professional Courtesy Cortesía profesional The interpreter treats all parties with respect Professional Development Desarrollo profesional The interpreter strives to continually further his/her knowledge and skills. Guidelines to the Conduit Role - interprets in the first person - interprets pauses, sighs, meaningful gestures, etc - interpreter gives an accurate interpretation, not a literal interpretation - the interpreter reflects tone, inflection, and volume Clarifying: when intervention is necessary - the interpreter needs to have the speaker repeat what they said - the interpreter needs