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STD Information

When you should visit the STD Clinic

STD check-up at Clinic 275

Clinic 275 services

Interpreters and sexual health

Interpreting services function to bridge the communication gap between english speaking professionals and non-english speaking clients.

In Australia, appropriately qualified and accredited interpreters can be accessed 24 hours, 7 days a week through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS), which operates in each state and territory. Interpreter assistance can be provided either over the telephone or in person at a specified location. Telephone use provides the widest range of interpreters as it is independent of location. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for an on-site interpreter. The TIS also undertakes other types of translations such as correspondence from english to other languages or vice versa.

The role of the interpreter is to facilitate accurate communication between people speaking different languages, taking into account cultural sensitivities. When using interpreters in consultations and interviews related to sexually transmitted diseases further consideration must be given to the feelings and reactions of the client. Shame and guilt are commonly experienced after diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) these feelings may be exacerbated by the physical presence of an interpreter.

Although both health personnel and interpreters have professional training, religion and culture may create strong barriers based on gender that preclude open discussion about topics of an intimate nature. During an interview, for example, for an STD check-up or an interview to elicit the names of past sexual partners, the client may be asked to reveal extremely private details, which may generate anxiety. Should a physical examination be required, sensitivity to the cultural and personal needs of the client is essential for what is an intensely personal consultation. In particular, the sex of the interpreter may be just as important as the sex of the doctor examining the client as discussion of sexual matters is confined to single sex groups in some cultures. As many ethnic groups congregate in small communities where all members are known to each other, there is often great concern on the part of the client about confidentiality.

General considerations

• Language: many dialects may be spoken in a country, so advice is usually required about which language is appropriate for the client.
• Political, religious or cultural sensitivities: the interpreting situation should be arranged to minimise religious and cultural sensitivities which may influence the success of an interview.
• Specialist knowledge: access to specialist knowledge eg sexually transmitted diseases, may assist with the success of the interpreting situation.
• Gender: in most situations it is advisable to book a female interpreter for a female client and a male interpreter for a male client.

Face-to-face interviews

The decision about whether to use a telephone interpreting service or face-to-face interview is influenced by factors such as whether the non-english speaking client is under physical or mental stress, or a lengthy interview is anticipated. Although it may be preferred to have an interpreter visit for a face-to-face interview, occasionally the urgency of the situation may dictate the interview mode.

Interviewing techniques when using interpreters

Before the interview begins:

• explain the purpose of the interview to the interpreter
• arrange the seating in a culturally appropriate style, generally with participants seated at equal distances from each other so eye contact can be maintained. In some cultures eye contact is inappropriate.
• select a small room in which there will be no interruptions.

During the interview:

• speak directly to the non-english speaking client, not to the interpreter
• speak clearly, slowly and simply using short sentences
• pause at short intervals to allow time for the information to be interpreted
• choose appropriate language for the education level of the client
• avoid slang or jargon
• do not have private discussions with the interpreter
• clarify any problems that arise with the interpreter.

Telephone interviews

To conduct a telephone interview, contact the TIS, explain the purpose of the interview and arrange a connection with an interpreter in the required language.

Telephone interviews using interpreters are usually conducted at the health site, with the health professional and client together in a private room with a common telephone handset and the interpreter connected by telephone from what can be a distant location. Either the handpiece is transferred between the service provider and the non-english speaking client to enable interpreting to take place, or a speaker system used. Most modern telephone speakers have sufficient clarity to facilitate interpretation.

This medium is more anonymous and the client may have fewer worries about loss of privacy as physical recognition cannot occur and information about their identity is preserved. The sex of the interpreter is less important than for face-to-face interviews.

Telephone interviewing techniques through interpreters

As with direct interviews, the style of language is important; brief sentences at an appropriate level of language are required.

• Sit facing the non-English speaker and watch their body language
• speak in the first person
• ensure clarity of speech to enable the interpreter to hear properly
• keep the amount to be interpreted short
• pause after each sentence so the participants do not talk over each other or cut each other off.

Cost

The cost varies with the type of interpreting service. Clinic 275 does not pass the interpreting fee on to the client, in keeping with the philosophy of STD Services of providing free sexual health care to clients where possible.

Joy Copland

March 2001.

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