Department of Communication, University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA.
Patient Educ Couns. 2012 Oct;89(1):158-62. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2012.07.001. Epub 2012 Jul 31.
This study explores the tensions, challenges, and dangers when a utilitarian view of interpreter is constructed, imposed, and/or reinforced in health care settings.
We conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 26 medical interpreters from 17 different languages and cultures and 39 providers of five specialties. Grounded theory was used for data analysis.
The utilitarian view to interpreters' roles and functions influences providers in the following areas: (a) hierarchical structure and unidirectional communication, (b) the interpreter seen as information gatekeeper, (c) the interpreter seen as provider proxy, and (d) interpreter's emotional support perceived as tools.
When interpreters are viewed as passive instruments, a utilitarian approach may compromise the quality of care by silencing patients' and interpreters' voice, objectifying interpreters' emotional work, and exploiting patients' needs.
Providers need to recognize that a utilitarian approach to the interpreter's role and functions may create interpersonal and ethical dilemmas that compromise the quality of care. By viewing interpreters as smart technology (rather than passive instruments), both providers and interpreters can learn from and co-evolve with each other, allowing them to maintain control over their expertise and to work as collaborators in providing quality care.
本研究探讨了在医疗保健环境中构建、强加和/或强化实用主义的译员观时所面临的紧张、挑战和危险。
我们对来自 17 种不同语言和文化的 26 名医学口译员以及 5 个专业领域的 39 名提供者进行了深入的访谈和焦点小组讨论。使用扎根理论进行数据分析。
译员角色和功能的实用主义观点影响了提供者在以下方面的看法：（a）等级结构和单向沟通，（b）将口译员视为信息把关人，（c）将口译员视为提供者代理人，以及（d）将口译员的情感支持视为工具。
当口译员被视为被动工具时，实用主义方法可能会通过压制患者和口译员的声音、使口译员的情感工作客观化以及利用患者的需求来损害护理质量。
提供者需要认识到，对口译员角色和功能的实用主义方法可能会造成人际和伦理方面的困境，从而影响护理质量。通过将口译员视为智能技术（而不是被动工具），提供者和口译员都可以相互学习并共同发展，从而使他们能够控制自己的专业知识，并作为合作伙伴共同提供优质护理。
