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I recently came across an article regarding the use of interpreters in the medical field and its impact on the patients’ well being. Sometimes when resources are not available or when medical providers are not aware of the services provided by their institutions, there is a misconception that anyone who is bilingual can render a faithful interpretation.
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n March 17th, 2014, twenty-four medical interpreters graduated from the Bridging the Gap Program. There were seven languages represented in the training: Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Turkish, Nepali, French, and Japanese. Bridging the Gap is a well-recognized medical interpreter education program with a presence in 31 states, the District of Columbia and Qatar.
As we advertise to recruit qualified medical interpreters, the question we commonly ask is, “Are you bilingual?” Well, this is a start to know if someone speaks another language fluently. However, is this enough to recruit and send someone on a medical appointment? The answer is a resounding “NO!”
The interpreting profession for spoken languages has come a long way since it began using volunteers to national certified interpreters of today. The demand all over the United States for all languages has skyrocketed in the past 10 to 12 years. In the past, interpreter services were provided by volunteers, children and other community members without any training. These ad hoc interpreters were doing the best they could with what they had. Many family members acted as interpreters and many times they left out crucial information. They were omitting and or distorting the message during the medical encounters leaving the limited English proficient patients open to risk. Sometimes the limited English proficient patients would not follow instructions or they were less likely to come back for follow up appointments due to the poor communication between the provider and the patient. According to the recent census, 20.8 % of the population in the United States speaks a language other than English. Laws like Title VI, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin, are some of the reasons for the new emerging interpreting profession.