[The telephone interpreter. A good alternative to the traditional interpreter]

In the health care system, good communication is of vital importance for correct information, diagnosis and treatment. When the health care worker and the patient have no common language, an interpreter is needed. In a small population the patient and the interpreter will often be acquainted. In small, local communities few professional interpreters are available. These communities can be served by offering a telephone interpreter, thus providing foreign citizens with a better health service. The presence of an interpreter reduces the possibility of being anonymous. The patient may withhold important information, or give incorrect information. By using a telephone interpreter, neither the patient nor the interpreter needs to know who the other person is. We found this to be a very good alternative in most cases, and sometimes a better solution. A good, loud-speaking telephone was needed. The interpreters were not as satisfied as the doctors and patients. Further development of the service is therefore required.