Page 30 - ASCO Cultural Competency Toolkit

Tips for using Interpreters in a Clinical Setting (Adapted from Ladha, et al, 2018)
▪ Familiarize yourself with professional interpreter services in your area.
▪ Speak with the interpreter before each appointment to clarify expectations, such as whether to
directly translate all communication among family members during the visit.
▪ Use the interpreter to arrange the next appointment and confirm transportation arrangements.
▪ Arrange for triangular seating so that everyone present can see nonverbal cues.
▪ Introduce everyone present.
▪ Ask who is the most appropriate person to address your questions.
▪ Look at family members as you speak and try to speak directly with them.
▪ Debrief with interpreter afterward to ensure communications were fully translated.
▪ Try to identify meaningful cultural differences between yourself and your patients. Be self-aware
of biases and values that you (or an interpreter) may be bringing to medical encounters.
▪ Consider the role of silence in each patient encounter (which may represent discomfort with or
uncertainty about a question or condition being described).
▪ Pay attention to nonverbal cues can help determine whether a differential power relationship is
hindering communication.
▪ Book longer and repeat visits with the same interpreter to forge trust and understanding around
child and youth health issues and management plans.
▪ Recognize that a ‘high-context’ communication style may be a family’s cultural norm and stay
attuned to tone, body language, and other nonverbal cues.
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