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[Interpreter Mediated Psychological Assessment: A Three-Step Practice (Before-During-After)]
Noelia Burdeus-Domingo1, Anick Brisson2, Yvan Leanza3
1laboratoire Psychologie et Cultures, École de psychologie, Faculté des sciences sociales, Université Laval ; Universidad Internacional de Valencia.
Sante Mentale Au Quebec
|March 2, 2021
Summary
Healthcare interpreters are crucial for mental health assessments of non-native speakers. Best practices, including preparation, accurate interpretation, and debriefing, ensure quality cross-cultural communication and effective patient care.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Medical Communication
Background:
- The necessity of healthcare interpreters for non-native speakers is well-established across medical fields.
- Mental health settings present unique sensitivities, especially during psychological assessments requiring interpreter services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and synthesize best practices for utilizing interpreters in mental health.
- To adapt these practices for the specific context of psychological assessments.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature synthesis was conducted.
- Key research recommendations for effective interpreter-mediated communication were compiled.
Main Results:
- A structured compilation of best practices for psychological assessments with interpreters was developed.
- Practices are organized into three stages: pre-consultation, during consultation, and post-consultation.
- Key considerations include pre-consultation briefing and post-consultation debriefing, avoiding literal "word-for-word" interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Mental health professionals can enhance collaboration with interpreters through a structured three-stage model.
- Implementing these best practices improves cross-cultural communication and the quality of psychological assessments for diverse patient populations.
