Why is it Highly Discouraged to use a Family Member as an Interpreter?
While it may seem convenient to rely on a family member to interpret during appointments, this practice can lead to significant risks and complications depending on the setting. Professional interpreters undergo rigorous training to ensure accurate and confidential communication, which is crucial in settings such as medical or legal.
Qualified interpreters are trained to convey complex information accurately, without summarising, omitting, or altering the message. This ensures clear and precise information, leading to better outcomes and informed decision-making.
Risks of using Family Members as Interpreters in Healthcare
Lack of Medical Knowledge
Family members employed as interpreters often lack the medical terminology required to accurately interpret complex healthcare information. This gap can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication, potentially affecting the quality of care.
Emotional Bias and Impartiality
Interpreting sensitive medical information requires neutrality. Family members may struggle to remain impartial due to emotional ties, which can influence the accuracy of the interpretation and the patient’s understanding.
Breach of Confidentiality
Healthcare providers are legally obligated to maintain patient confidentiality. Family members are not bound by the same legal and ethical standards, increasing the risk of inadvertent or intentional breaches of privacy.
Potential Trauma for Children
Using children as interpreters can be particularly harmful. They may not have the emotional maturity to handle distressing medical information, leading to potential trauma and confusion.
Risks of using Family Members as Interpreters in Legal
Like healthcare settings, using a family member as a legal interpreter should be avoided in all formal legal settings like courts or tribunals where specialist knowledge is missing. It can be helpful for initial consultations, however best practice would always be to employ a qualified interpreter, bound by ethical codes to ensure accurate and unbiased communication.
At Silent Sounds, we understand the critical role accurate communication plays across all sectors. We offer a comprehensive range of interpreting and translations services, including telephone interpreting, face-to-face interpreting, video interpreting, and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting. Our qualified interpreters are thoroughly vetted to ensure professionalism, accuracy, and confidentiality in every interaction.
Contact our friendly team today to learn more about our interpreting and translation services! info@silent-sounds.co.uk