What a Medical Interpreter Can and Cannot Do

A medical interpreter's central role is to communicate as completely, accurately and neutrally as possible between the patient, family and healthcare staff. Interpreters may support registration, consultation, test explanations and discharge communication, and should ask for repetition or clarification when wording is unclear.

An interpreter does not diagnose, recommend medicines or guarantee a result. The interpreter cannot simplify risks instead of the clinician, sign consent instead of the patient or decide which option should be accepted. If asked what the patient should choose, the question should be returned to the clinician and interpreted fully.

Before booking, identify the language and dialect, department, expected duration, whether the consultation is sensitive, and whether support is on site or remote. A complex consultation may use an authorised one-page summary and terminology list, but the full record should not be distributed to every potential interpreter.

During the visit, speak in short sections and avoid several relatives talking at once. Ask the clinician to write down important numbers, doses, dates, risks and next steps, and have the interpreter repeat the key points back to check understanding. If the patient does not understand or needs a break, say so rather than skipping the consent discussion because time is short.

At the end, check medicines, tests, follow-up dates and emergency contacts, and decide whether written translation is needed. Kangqiao can coordinate suitable language support and timing, but the hospital remains responsible for medical explanations. The decision belongs to a capable patient or a lawfully authorised representative.