Interpreting for Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients can be challenging, but when both the patient and the medical provider speak quickly, and the patient is also hard of hearing, the complexity increases. As medical interpreters, it’s our responsibility to facilitate clear, effective communication despite these difficulties. Here are strategies to manage such calls while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
1. Establish a Manageable Pace Early
If both the LEP patient and the provider speak very fast, take proactive steps to control the pace of the conversation:
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Politely intervene at the beginning and explain the importance of pacing for accurate interpretation. For example, say, “This is the Interpreter, to ensure accurate interpretation for both of you, I may need to pause or ask for repetition.”
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Use a steady, professional tone to encourage a natural slowdown.
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Repeat key information concisely to confirm understanding.
2. Adapt for the Patient’s Hearing Difficulty
Since the LEP patient has informed you of their hearing loss, adjust your approach accordingly:
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Speak clearly and enunciate to improve comprehension.
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Confirm understanding by checking in with the patient periodically, such as by saying, “Did you understand that?”
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Use strategic pauses to ensure the patient processes the information before moving on.
3. Manage the Flow of a Fast-Paced Conversation
When both the LEP patient and the provider speak quickly, keeping up with the conversation can be difficult. To maintain accuracy:
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Politely intervene when necessary using interpreter best practices: “This is the Interpreter speaking: May I ask you both to pause briefly for interpretation?”
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Use note-taking techniques to capture essential details and avoid missing critical information.
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Break down complex information into smaller, digestible segments for better comprehension.
4. Balance Interpretation Between a Fast-Talking Provider and a Hard-of-Hearing LEP
Medical professionals may use rapid speech and complex terminology. Ensure both parties fully understand:
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Ask the provider to slow down if necessary, while maintaining professionalism: “Excuse me, doctor, to ensure accurate interpretation, may I ask you to slow down slightly?”
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Paraphrase without altering meaning to make information clearer for the LEP patient.
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Advocate for effective communication by suggesting shorter responses or simpler phrasing when appropriate.
5. Stay Professional and Patient
Handling a call where both the LEP patient and provider speak quickly, with the added challenge of hearing impairment, can be stressful. However, maintaining composure is key:
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Remain patient and flexible to adapt to the situation.
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Keep a neutral, professional tone even if communication barriers create frustration.
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Utilize debriefing techniques after the call to reflect on what worked well and areas for improvement.
Final Thoughts
Managing a call where both the LEP patient and the provider speak rapidly while also accommodating a hearing-impaired patient requires skill, patience, and adaptability. By controlling the pace, ensuring clear communication, and balancing both parties’ needs, you can provide high-quality interpretation that facilitates effective medical care. Each challenging call presents an opportunity to refine your skills and enhance your ability to navigate complex interactions with professionalism and empathy.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these blog entries are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the company. Any content provided by the author is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
