interpreter training: how much is enough? erin rosales, chief learning officer...
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Interpreter Training: How Much is Enough?
Erin Rosales, Chief Learning [email protected]
Rashelle LeCaptain, President [email protected]
Connecting Cultures, Inc.www.connecting-cultures.com
©Connecting Cultures, Inc. 2008
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
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What interpreters need to know…
- Role of the interpreter- Ethics/Standards of Practice- Practical application of interpreter skills- Health care setting
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
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application
Create opportunities for interpreters to gain proficiency in applying skills learned as
theoretical concepts
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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
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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
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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
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Transitioning from Theory to Skills Application…Shadowing Program Phase II
Objective: New interpreter is observed by interpreter trainer in real medical encounterBenefits: - Experience gained without compromising integrity
of interpretation- Post-session debrief fosters skills improvement- Verify new interpreter’s skills
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Independent Interpreting
New interpreter begins interpreting independently once interpreting skills
demonstrated and verified through Shadowing Program Phase II
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Continued Education and Training
Health Care Interpreting is a dynamic fieldThere are many areas in which to grow
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Continued Education and Training…- Areas to grow and learn
- Professional Development- Culture- Medical field- Ethics- Language - Health Care Interpreting Industry- Interpreting Skills
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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
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Through training skilled bilingual individuals are given the opportunity to become professional interpreters in the health care field
Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266
Through continued education and training professional interpreters continue to grow in skills and knowledge
Interpreter Training: How Much Is Enough? #1266
Interpreter Training benefits everyone…-Interpreter-Provider-Community