If it is necessary to obtain cultural information from the interpreter during the interview, seek permission from the person or distrust may develop. Summarise your discussions periodically throughout the interview in situations where complex facts and concepts are involved. Remember that the amount that individual interpreters can remember varies widely, so the health professional should always stop speaking when the interpreter signals. The interpreter may raise a hand or simply start to translate what has been said. The interpreter will then convey this to the person.
People are often reluctant to ask questions unless encouraged to do so.
Thank the person and the interpreter. Say goodbye formally. In emotionally taxing situations, it is important to debrief the interpreter and check any queries you may have after the interview has been completed. This may need to be done at a different time as the person may be uncomfortable seeing the interpreter talking with you without knowing what you are discussing. In addition to the guidelines outlined above, the following also apply to telephone interpreting.