Experience of aboriginal health interpreters in mediation of conflicting values in end-of-life decision making

Abstract

This paper examines the experience of Aboriginal medical interpreters working with terminally ill patients, family members, and care providers, and serving as mediators when cultural values and decision frameworks are in conflict. The discussion is based on a qualitative analysis of interaction in 12 patient encounters which were observed and for which transcripts were made of the discourse and interaction. Each case involved intervention by a professional interpreter. Interaction involved the signing of advance directives or other consent agreements in situations in which Aboriginal patients were terminally ill. Analysis will focus on the cultural dimension of value conflict situations, particularly in relation to issues of individual autonomy and biomedical emphasis on truth-telling in the communication of terminal prognosis.