[Seven Strategies for Collaborating with Public Service Interpreters]

Area of Science:

• Sociolinguistics
• Healthcare Communication
• Professional Studies

Background:

• Public Service Interpreting (PSI) is expanding in Quebec, but lacks standardized frameworks across public services.
• Existing institutional and organizational mechanisms for PSI are not universally implemented, presenting ongoing challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To equip mental health sector stakeholders with actionable strategies for enhanced collaboration with public service interpreters.
• To address identified challenges in the recognition of interpreter roles and communication diversity within mental health settings.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was conducted to synthesize existing knowledge and offer a novel perspective.
• The review focused on critical reading to provide a comprehensive overview for those less familiar with PSI advancements.

Main Results:

• Two primary challenges were identified: recognizing the interpreter's role and acknowledging communication diversity.
• Seven interprofessional collaboration strategies were proposed for mental health practitioners, including specific vocabulary, information exchange, briefing/debriefing, interpreter introduction, managing small talk, and continuity of care.

Conclusions:

• The proposed strategies aim to improve intercultural communication quality and service delivery in mental health.
• These strategies are designed for knowledge users, considering their practices and using accessible language to facilitate knowledge transfer.