When utilizing an interpreter who signs, what should be requested of the interpreter?

When utilizing an interpreter who signs, it is essential that the interpreter reports exactly what the patient signs. This ensures that the communication between the healthcare provider and the patient is accurate and preserves the intent and content of the patient’s messages. Accurate interpretation is crucial in a medical context, as it can affect diagnosis, treatment options, and the overall understanding of the patient’s condition.

The integrity of the information shared is paramount in healthcare, and the interpreter's role is to facilitate communication without altering or inferring meaning from what the patient expresses. This approach fosters trust and clarity in the patient-provider relationship, which is essential for effective care.

In contrast, summarizing the patient's signs may overlook important nuances or specific details that the patient intends to convey. Providing personal opinions would undermine the interpreter's objectivity and could lead to miscommunication. Asking clarifying questions, while potentially useful in some contexts, should not replace the fundamental duty of accurately reporting what has been signed by the patient. Each of these alternatives introduces the risk of misinterpretation, which is why accurate reporting remains the priority.