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. This form of interpreting is not suitable for complex interviews.
Telephone interpreting is enhanced by use of a dual handset telephone or one with a loudspeaker.
The health professional needs to speak louder and should ask the patient to do so as well or the interpreter will find it difficult to hear. Be aware of a persons right of privacy when a conference telephone is being used. If you are using a single handset phone, you will need to hand the phone to the person after speaking to the interpreter. You may find that addressing a patient in the first person in a telephone interpreting situation is not always possible. General Procedures Familiarise yourself with your agency's Policies and Procedures on the Use of Interpreters.