When a medical term has no direct equivalent in the patient’s language, how should the interpreter proceed?

• A. Create A New Term In Patient Language
• B. Describe The Concept In Plain Language, Verify Understanding, And Avoid Fabricating Terms
• C. Postpone Translation Until Someone Else Is Available
• D. Explain Only The English Term

Answer: (B)

When no direct term exists in the patient’s language, the best approach is to describe the concept in plain language and check that the patient understands, without creating a new term. This means offering a clear, simple explanation of what the term means or what it involves, and why it’s being discussed, using words that reflect the patient’s cultural and linguistic background. Then use a teach-back method: ask the patient to restate or explain in their own words what was described to confirm comprehension. Avoid fabricating a term in the patient’s language, since that can introduce misinformation or unintended meaning. If helpful, support the description with a brief example, or with visuals or demonstrations to enhance understanding. This approach protects accuracy and patient safety and respects the patient’s language needs. Avoid delaying translation or sticking only to the English term, as that can leave the patient uninformed.