The Problem With Interpreters: Communicating With Spanish-Speaking Patients

This article discusses the problem of information obtained from a non-English speaking psychiatric patient through an untrained interpreter. The authors briefly outlines the most common errors that untrained interpreters make, including omission, addition, condensation, substitution & role exchange. They present 2 case examples. They conclude that clinicians should observe the behaviors of both the patient & the interpreter for indications of errors. (VM)