Interpreting

Information for interpreters:

1. Interpreter Duties

• Interpreting at the front desk and on the phone

• Interpreting in the lab

• Interpreting between patients and interviewers (social work, public health, medical team, laboratory, pharmacy, and physical therapy students)

2. Guidelines

• When interpreting, PLEASE remember to interpret what is said as accurately as possible. Please do not add in your own comments or questions unless clarification is necessary.

• If necessary, please ask the patient or interviewer to pause so that you can interpret before the person says too much for you to remember. It is better to interrupt the flow rather than accidentally leaving out any key details.

• If you are unsure of how to interpret something, use either a dictionary or ask the person to rephrase their statement.

• Please dress professionally (no shorts or jeans). It is inappropriate to wear open toed shoes due to risk of exposure to infectious materials. Please also wear your nametag and "Yo Hablo Español" button at all times in the clinic.

3. Scheduling

• Multiple interpreters will be scheduled each night, and interpreters will be allowed to leave early depending on clinic demands.

• Interpreters should arrive at 5:45 pm.

• If you need a sub for your scheduled time, please email the appropriate listserv as soon as possible:
  Front/Back Interpreters
  Clinic Interpreters
  When you find a sub, please post your sub to the wiki.

4. Interpreter Kits

• SALSA has individual interpreter kits (grey boxes numbered 1-7) in the break room each containing

  1. a nametag,

  2. "Yo Hablo Español" button,

  3. medical Spanish dictionary,

  4. and writing pad for taking notes during interview sessions and to GIVE THE PATIENT ACCURATE DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS IN SPANISH.