1. Interpreter Training: How Much is Enough? Erin Rosales, Chief Learning Officer erin@connecting-cultures.com Rashelle LeCaptain, President rashelle@connecting-cultures.com Connecting Cultures, Inc. www.connecting-cultures.com ©Connecting Cultures, Inc. 2008

2. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What Interpreters Need To know (Theory) Establish the framework essential for a skilled bilingual to become a professional interpreter in the health care field

3. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Role of the interpreter -Ethics/Standards of Practice -Practical application of interpreter skills -Health care setting

4. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Role of the interpreter -In general terms: facilitate communication -Empower individuals to speak for themselves

5. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Ethics/Standards of Practice -Why is a Code of Ethics Important? -Basis for quality interpretation -Protects interpreter -What should a Code of Ethics provide? -Interpreter responsibilities regarding: Accuracy Confidentiality Professionalism Role Boundaries (impartiality/advocacy)

6. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Practical application of interpreter skills -Establish guidelines for… …Positioning: interpreter’s position can facilitate or hinder communication …Mode: consecutive vs. simultaneous; sight translation …Voice: first person vs. third person

7. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Knowledge of Health Care setting Adherence to interpreter role and ethics + Knowledge of health care setting = Effective interpretation in complex health care environment

8. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Knowledge of Health Care setting -Process of clinic appointment & Role of providers -Registrar: verify patient’s biographical data, insurance -Nurse: initial assessment of patient, medical history, reason for appointment -Doctor: evaluate, diagnose, treat patient -Laboratory/radiology technologist: perform tests ordered by doctor -Scheduler: set up future visits

9. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Knowledge of Health Care setting -Role of the interpreter throughout appointment -Conduct pre-session with patient/provider -Facilitate communication between both parties -Conduct post-session

10. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 What interpreters need to know… -Knowledge of Health Care setting -Medical terminology/concepts -Department specific (radiology, pediatrics, oncology…) -Common terms (conditions, procedures, illnesses, treatments, instruments…) -Access to resources/research skills -Reliable internet sources -Reliable print sources -Medical library -Colleagues

11. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application Create opportunities for interpreters to gain proficiency in applying skills learned as theoretical concepts

12. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application… Shadowing Program Phase I Objective: Observe experienced interpreter in-action during real-life medical encounter Benefits: -Witness interpreting without pressure of functioning as interpreter -Exposure to variety of medical appointments -Discern if medical interpreting is right profession for the individual -Post-session debrief with experienced interpreter fosters development of professional skills

13. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application… Interpreting Skills Development Objective: Develop skills in controlled setting - Scripted role play with 1 or 2 interpreter trainers Benefits: -“Safe” area to make mistakes -Identify strengths and weaknesses -Develop strategies to improve skills -Immediate feedback and coaching

14. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application… Interpreting Skills Development Objective: Develop skills in controlled setting - Record practice interpretation (audio/video) Benefits: - Skilled bilingual observes own interpreting skills - Develop self-evaluation skill - Can use live actors or pre-recorded material

15. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application… Shadowing Program Phase II Objective: New interpreter is observed by interpreter trainer in real medical encounter Benefits: - Experience gained without compromising integrity of interpretation - Post-session debrief fosters skills improvement - Verify new interpreter’s skills

16. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting New interpreter begins interpreting independently once interpreting skills demonstrated and verified through Shadowing Program Phase II

17. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Begin interpreting in “controlled” appointments “controlled” appointments = familiar departments; routine appointments; providers/patients proficient in use of interpreter Why? -Familiarity with subject matter = higher quality interpretation -Opportunity to solidify new skills in comfortable environment -Strong skills developed in familiar appointments = ability to interpret proficiently in challenging, unfamiliar encounters

18. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Establish Mentoring Program -Pair a new interpreter with an experienced interpreter to meet regularly -Meeting can be in person, via phone, via email… Why? - New interpreter has professional support needed to further develop professional skills

19. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Regularly Evaluate Interpreter Performance -Evaluate all areas pertinent to interpreted session: ethical decisions/compliance, interpreting techniques, language/terminology… -Can be done as self-evaluation or with mentor Why? - Awareness of strengths and weaknesses is essential to improving

20. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Build study time into routine -Prepare for or debrief from interpreted session -Maintain/grow language pair skills Why? - Knowledge of subject matter = more accurate, higher quality interpretation -Health care is broad, ever-changing field; there is always more to learn -Fluency can be lost if not maintained

21. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Assign sessions according to interpreter skill level -Set the new interpreter up for success by assigning “controlled” sessions -Assign more challenging sessions per experience and skill demonstrated Why? - Ensures quality interpretation - Aids in interpreter retention in field

22. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Independent Interpreting… -Tips for Success -Periodically shadow new interpreter -Interpreter trainer observes new interpreter at real-life assignment -Shadow at 1 & 4 month intervals post-training, additionally as needed Why? - Verify professional growth - New interpreter accountable for improvement - Provides new interpreter with feedback from interpreter trainer

23. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Continued Education and Training Health Care Interpreting is a dynamic field There are many areas in which to grow

24. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Continued Education and Training… -Areas to grow and learn -Professional Development -Culture -Medical field -Ethics -Language -Health Care Interpreting Industry -Interpreting Skills

25. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Continued Education and Training… - Resources for continued education and training - Participate in organizations that promote health care interpreting field - Attend health education classes offered through local health care system - Develop training/education opportunities through local organizations dedicated to causes relevant to health care interpreting

26. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Through training skilled bilingual individuals are given the opportunity to become professional interpreters in the health care field

27. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Through continued education and training professional interpreters continue to grow in skills and knowledge

28. Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266 Interpreter Training benefits everyone… -Interpreter -Provider -Community