Why interpreters matter in healthcare

Healthcare interpreters play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap between healthcare providers and patients with limited proficiency in English.
These individuals—often defined as those who speak English less than “very well”—benefit significantly from professional interpreting support.

The presence of a trained healthcare interpreter enhances patient safety and improves overall health literacy and understanding of medical information.
This support extends across multiple aspects of care, including ongoing medical and nursing management, self-care efficacy, and access to essential health services.

Recognising the importance of clear and accurate communication, NHS England and NHS Scotland have issued guidance strongly recommending
the use of professional interpreters rather than relying on patients’ family members or friends.
This approach helps ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and effective participation in healthcare decisions.

Safeguarding and vulnerable situations

Children should never be used as interpreters.
In situations involving child safety, safeguarding concerns, or gender-based violence,
it is essential to ensure that a qualified professional interpreter is present
(Ref 1).

Literacy and health understanding

Not all patients are able to read or write in their preferred language, and some may lack the literacy skills
needed to understand health-related written information.
This has been evidenced in cases where individuals were unable to read in either the source or target language.

For this reason, it is important to assess a person’s literacy level before offering translated materials.
Where health literacy is low, visual aids such as images and diagrams may be more effective than written text alone
(Ref 1).

Avoid automated translation tools:
In healthcare environments, automated tools such as Google Translate should not be relied upon.
The accuracy and quality of machine-generated translations cannot be assured for clinical communication
(Ref 1).

This guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, evidence-based tips for working effectively with interpreters
and supporting patients with limited English proficiency.

Practical guide: working effectively with interpreters

The following steps provide practical tips for working effectively with interpreters and improving communication with patients who have limited English proficiency.

1) Briefing the interpreter

Begin by introducing yourself and your organisation to the interpreter. Clearly outline what needs to be achieved in the session,
and if you require assistance in making a call, state this explicitly.

The interpreter can help set the right tone by introducing you and your facility, followed by conveying your initial questions.

2) Direct communication with the patient

Always address the patient directly, as if the interpreter were not present. The interpreter will facilitate the exchange by relaying
information between you and the patient.

Remember to speak naturally, at your regular volume and pace.

3) Speaking in segments

Convey your thoughts in one or two short sentences. Avoid breaking up a single thought, as interpreters capture the overall meaning.

If you speak too quickly or in lengthy segments, the interpreter may request you to slow down or repeat.

4) Clarifications and understanding

If any part of the conversation is unclear, or if a long statement has been made, the interpreter may ask for clarification or repetition.

Additionally, regularly check if the patient understands the information, as cultural differences might lead to misunderstandings.

5) Interpreter’s role and confidentiality

The interpreter’s role is solely to translate, without adding personal opinions. Be mindful that everything said in the presence of the interpreter
will be conveyed to the patient.

Avoid having private conversations or using jargon, technical terms, or idioms that might be difficult to interpret.

6) Managing the session

Interpretation can double the duration of a conversation, as some concepts might not have direct equivalents in other languages.

Allow the interpreter to complete their translation without interruption. When reading from a script, slow down to accommodate the interpreter’s pace.

7) Cultural sensitivity

Professional interpreters are often aware of cultural nuances and may provide guidance on cultural issues or suggest rephrasing culturally sensitive questions.

8) Closing the session

The interpreter will follow your lead to close the session. They will offer further assistance if needed and will be the last to disconnect from the call.

Reminder: Effective communication through interpreters is key to providing high-quality healthcare to patients with limited English proficiency.
This guide is intended to support successful, respectful interactions.