Frequently Asked Questions
Why is training important?
There are many studies that report how interpreters that are not trained commit more mistakes when interpreting than those who have taken a training. Some of those errors include omission, additions, substitutions and distortions in the meaning of the message. Lack of language proficiency and training account for most of these errors. Studies also have found that these errors are of potential clinical consequences that can and have lead to serious harm to the patients. A person who is interested in the interpreting profession must possess the necessary skills to avoid the problems that are mentioned above. Training affords individuals the knowledge, practice and ethics to become a competent interpreter.
Currently, medical facilities and or organizations are seeking trained health care interpreters as they understand that by doing this they are saving health care dollars by decreasing the likelihood of negative outcomes, reducing the number of inpatient days and interventions, and increasing the rate of treatment adherence. For course availability and schedules please contact us at (213) 553-1818 or info@palsforhealth.org.
Why should I use a trained health care interpreter? Isn’t a bilingual staff adequate?
Bilingual staff members often do not have adequate proficiency in medical terminology nor are they skilled in interpretation techniques. Furthermore, the heavy workload of bilingual staff does not permit them to easily step away from primary duties to interpret for patients.
A trained health care interpreter’s bilingual proficiency has been properly assessed and deemed superior. The interpreter is trained in medical terminology, interpretation skills and bound by the ethical standards guiding the practice of health care interpretation.
Providing trained health care interpretation services will also help you to ensure that the quality of your services is not lost in translation. It will promote trust with the patient and will prevent potential medical malpractice from inadequate interpretation by untrained interpreters. Finally, there is a large body of federal and state laws mandating the provision of competent language assistance to limited English proficient health consumers. A partial list of language access laws and regulations include:
There are many studies that report how interpreters that are not trained commit more mistakes when interpreting than those who have taken a training. Some of those errors include omission, additions, substitutions and distortions in the meaning of the message. Lack of language proficiency and training account for most of these errors. Studies also have found that these errors are of potential clinical consequences that can and have lead to serious harm to the patients. A person who is interested in the interpreting profession must possess the necessary skills to avoid the problems that are mentioned above. Training affords individuals the knowledge, practice and ethics to become a competent interpreter.
Currently, medical facilities and or organizations are seeking trained health care interpreters as they understand that by doing this they are saving health care dollars by decreasing the likelihood of negative outcomes, reducing the number of inpatient days and interventions, and increasing the rate of treatment adherence. For course availability and schedules please contact us at (213) 553-1818 or info@palsforhealth.org.
Why should I use a trained health care interpreter? Isn’t a bilingual staff adequate?
Bilingual staff members often do not have adequate proficiency in medical terminology nor are they skilled in interpretation techniques. Furthermore, the heavy workload of bilingual staff does not permit them to easily step away from primary duties to interpret for patients.
A trained health care interpreter’s bilingual proficiency has been properly assessed and deemed superior. The interpreter is trained in medical terminology, interpretation skills and bound by the ethical standards guiding the practice of health care interpretation.
Providing trained health care interpretation services will also help you to ensure that the quality of your services is not lost in translation. It will promote trust with the patient and will prevent potential medical malpractice from inadequate interpretation by untrained interpreters. Finally, there is a large body of federal and state laws mandating the provision of competent language assistance to limited English proficient health consumers. A partial list of language access laws and regulations include:
|
Federal Laws & Guidance
|
California Laws & Regulations
|
Is there a cost for training?
For upcoming training dates and fees, please call our office at (213) 553-1818.
Is previous interpreting experience required?
Although previous experience is not required, there is a benefit to having an interpreting background. The only prerequisite for training is passing the 2.5 hour language skills assessment; this is done to gauge your language expertise.
For upcoming training dates and fees, please call our office at (213) 553-1818.
Is previous interpreting experience required?
Although previous experience is not required, there is a benefit to having an interpreting background. The only prerequisite for training is passing the 2.5 hour language skills assessment; this is done to gauge your language expertise.
PALS for Health is a division of Special Service for Groups
515 S. Columbia Ave. Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90017
P: (213) 553-1818 | F: (213) 553-1876 | E: info@palsforhealth.org
515 S. Columbia Ave. Suite 320
Los Angeles, CA 90017
P: (213) 553-1818 | F: (213) 553-1876 | E: info@palsforhealth.org