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Review
. 2023 Feb 27;65(1):e1-e5.
doi: 10.4102/safp.v65i1.5655.

Do not lose your patient in translation: Using interpreters effectively in primary care

Talat Habib  1 , Arun Nair, Klaus Von Pressentin, Ramprakash Kaswa, Hamid Saeed
Affiliations
Review

Do not lose your patient in translation: Using interpreters effectively in primary care

Talat Habib et al. S Afr Fam Pract (2004). .

Abstract

South Africa is a multicultural society characterised by a rich diversity of languages. As a result, many healthcare providers and their patients often do not speak the same language, which makes communication challenging. The language barriers, when present, require an interpreter to ensure accurate and effective communication between the parties. In addition to assisting in a clear exchange of information, a trained medical interpreter also acts as a cultural liaison. This is especially true when the provider and the patient come from different cultural backgrounds. Based on the patient's needs, preferences, and available resources, clinicians should select and engage with the most appropriate interpreter. The effective use of an interpreter requires knowledge and skill. Patients and healthcare providers can benefit from several specific behaviours during interpreter-mediated consultations. This review article provides practical tips on when and how to use an interpreter effectively during clinical encounters in primary healthcare settings in South Africa.

Keywords: communication barriers; cultural liaison; medical interpreter; modes of interpretation; primary care; types of medical interpreters.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.

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