School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Support Care Cancer. 2012 Feb;20(2):235-44. doi: 10.1007/s00520-010-1046-z. Epub 2010 Nov 26.
Migration is increasing worldwide. In previous research into people with cancer from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, interpreter accuracy, professionalism and continuity have emerged as key concerns for patients. Little is known about interpreters' perceptions of their role and the challenges they face. This study aimed to obtain their perspective.
Thirty interpreters (Greek n = 7, Chinese n = 11, and Arabic n = 12) participated in four focus groups which were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed for themes using N-Vivo software.
Skills as an interpreter were broadly perceived as conveying information accurately, being confidential and impartial. Three broad dilemmas faced by interpreters emerged: accuracy versus understanding; translating only versus cultural advocacy and sensitivity; and professionalism versus providing support. Some saw themselves as merely an accurate conduit of information, while others saw their role in broader terms, encompassing patient advocacy, cultural brokerage and provision of emotional support. Perceived challenges in their role included lack of continuity, managing their own emotions especially after bad news consultations, and managing diverse patient and family expectations. Training and support needs included medical terminology, communication and counselling skills and debriefing. Interpreters suggested that oncologists check on interpreter/patient's language or dialect compatibility; use lay language and short sentences; and speak in the first person.
Resolving potential conflicts between information provision and advocacy is an important area of cross-cultural communication research. Further training and support is required to enhance interpreters' competence in managing delicate situations from a professional, cultural and psychological perspective; and to assist doctors to collaborate with interpreters to ensure culturally competent communication. Ultimately, this will improve interpreters' well-being and patient care.
移民在全球范围内呈上升趋势。在对来自不同文化和语言背景的癌症患者的研究中，译员的准确性、专业性和连贯性已成为患者关注的关键问题。但对于口译员对其角色的看法以及他们所面临的挑战，我们知之甚少。本研究旨在了解他们的观点。
30 名口译员（希腊语 n = 7，中文 n = 11，阿拉伯语 n = 12）参加了 4 个焦点小组，小组讨论内容被录音、记录并使用 N-Vivo 软件进行主题分析。
口译员普遍认为，口译员的技能主要是准确传达信息、保持机密性和公正性。口译员面临的三个主要困境是：准确性与理解、只翻译与文化倡导和敏感性、专业性与提供支持。一些人认为自己只是信息的准确传递者，而另一些人则认为自己的角色更广泛，包括患者代言、文化中介和提供情感支持。他们认为自己在角色中面临的挑战包括缺乏连贯性、在处理坏消息咨询后管理自己的情绪，以及管理不同患者和家属的期望。他们需要培训和支持的方面包括医学术语、沟通和咨询技巧以及汇报。口译员建议肿瘤医生检查口译员/患者的语言或方言兼容性；使用平实语言和短句；并使用第一人称。
解决信息提供和倡导之间的潜在冲突是跨文化交流研究的一个重要领域。需要进一步的培训和支持，以提高口译员在专业、文化和心理方面处理微妙情况的能力；并协助医生与口译员合作，确保进行文化上合适的沟通。最终，这将改善口译员的福祉和患者护理。
