Recommendations for working with interpreters

Abstract

With the steady increase of non-English-speaking immigrants such as Hispanics in the U.S. over the last 15 years, the need for interpreters in medical settings has grown. However, health care practitioners such as occupational therapists and physical therapists receive minimal training in working with interpreters. This paper provides the reader with recommendations for working with interpreters and for when an interpreter is not available. In addition, a case example illustrating common problems that may arise when working with an interpreter and some solutions are discussed. Further, the simultaneous and consecutive methods of interpreting are compared; and the difference between interpreters and translators is discussed.