Serving as a public health interpreter can be a difficult endeavor. While interpreting alone is a stressful job, the added public health implications can add an additional layer of stress. However, interpreters for public health are not alone; here are four tips that can help interpreters working in the public health sphere work better.
Interpreters for Public Health Should Clearly Communicate with Medical Professionals
This seems relatively basic, but public health emergencies require clear communication between interpreters and public health professionals. Be sure to speak at an audible level and remain calm. Anxiety and nervousness can greatly impact an interpreter’s performance and, in a high stakes environment, mistakes can be costly.
Interpreters for Public Health Should Voice Their Concerns
In a similar vein, interpreters should make sure to communicate with their supervisor or co-workers if they feel overwhelmed. Creating a respectful and calm work environment is essential to providing great interpretation services. If an interpreter feels overwhelmed by the often traumatic experience of working in an area affected by a public health emergency, they should voice their discomfort and seek help. After all, if an interpreter feels unable to perform their job because of stress, they will be unable to fully contribute to solving public health crises.
Interpreters for Public Health Should Carefully Enunciate Their Words
When a person’s health is at stake, misunderstandings can have dire consequences. Missing or mispronouncing a word (especially for tonal languages) can radically shape a person’s understanding of their condition. Therefore, interpreters should be sure to use their best speaking voices and clearly enunciate each word when talking to both patients and medical professionals, especially when providing simultaneous interpreting services.
Interpreters for Public Health Should Always Have a Positive Attitude
This goes without saying, but medical interpreters should always stay positive. Positivity can help interpreters maintain a calm state of mind and can even help patients feel more secure under the care of medical professionals. Always remember that as an interpreter, you are essentially the face of the hospital for the patient. Without a positive mindset, a patient is unlikely to feel safe and could have doubt whether or not they are receiving the best care. Therefore, providing the patient with reassurance that they will be alright is very important.
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