INTERPRETER ARRIVAL (Onsite Interpreting)

• Check ID and Confirm Job ID Number
  
  
• Brief the Interpreter on the purpose and objectives of the session (while maintaining confidentiality)
  
  
• Find a suitably quiet place for the session
  
  
• Identify a leader for the session
  
  
• Introduce Interpreter to the client/family members and allow some time for the client to become comfortable with the Interpreter
  
  

DURING THE SESSION (SESSION STRUCTURE)

• Introduce interpreter and explain your and their role to client (include fact that everything said in the session will be interpreted i.e. no private discussions between parties during the session)
  
  
• Assure client that rule of confidentiality applies to both practitioner and interpreter
  
  
• Establish ground rules of speaking through the interpreter (i.e. not to)
  
  
• Maintain eye contact with your client (if appropriate) not the interpreter
  
  
• Expect the interpreter to use the 1st person singular when interpreting
  
  
• Direct questions / statements to the client or family, not directly to the interpreter
  
  
• Do not enter into direct conversation with the interpreter
  
  
• Do not ask the interpreter for their opinion (only for cultural clarification)
  
  
• Pause at regular intervals for the interpreter to assimilate and interpret
  
  
• Allow enough time for the interpreter to convey information (it may only take you 3 words to explain but it may take more time for the interpreter to convey the information in their language)
  
  
• Use short sentences
  
  
• Check with interpreter about any cultural contexts for information provided by patient (if necessary)
  
  

DEBRIEFING AFTER THE SESSION (END OF SESSION)

• Summarize session and discuss whether objectives were met (there may be language or cultural reasons if objectives were not met)
  
  
• Clarify diagnostic/treatment issues where necessary
  
  
• Clarify any cultural issues, interpretation of words or concepts
  
  
• If the session involved traumatic material, check that the interpreter has not had personal material triggered (considering that many interpreters may have come through similar experiences/cultural context as the client for whom they are interpreting)
  
  
• Confirm follow-up procedure/appointments as appropriate
  
  
• Complete interpreter Job Information Forms as required
  
  

THINGS TO NOTE

• A WATIS Interpreter must always be wearing the Waitemata DHB Identification Card
  
  
• If an Interpreter is late or causes concern please notify WATIS immediately
  
  
• A WATIS Interpreter must always have a WATIS Job Number that matches with the number assigned to requester on the fax.
  
  
• To avoid incurring additional costs remember to sign the timesheet and job information form immediately after the interpretation session.
  
  
• Make sure the information on the timesheet/job information form is accurate.
  
  
• Don't forget to quote Job Number, and Account code on the form
  
  
• Provide feedback to WATIS