To ensure accurate and respectful communication with a patient who uses an interpreter, clinicians should:

• A. Speak directly to the patient, use plain language, pause for interpretation, brief the interpreter on key points, confirm accuracy, and ensure confidentiality.
• B. Speak to the interpreter first and have the patient respond via interpreter.
• C. Rely on written materials alone.
• D. Ignore confidentiality concerns during interpretation.

Answer: (A)

Engaging effectively with a patient who uses an interpreter is about keeping the conversation patient-centered and ensuring messages are accurate and respectful. Speak directly to the patient using plain language, not medical jargon, so the meaning is clear. Pause to let the interpreter render what you’ve said, which helps prevent rushed or incomplete translation. Brief the interpreter on key points before you start—this gives them context and helps them capture the essential clinical and safety information. After you’ve conveyed the message, check for understanding and accuracy—this can be done with a simple teach-back or by asking the patient to summarize in their own words. And always protect confidentiality by ensuring the interpretation occurs in a private setting and that sensitive information is shared only with the appropriate interpreter.

Rationale for the other approaches: speaking to the interpreter first or having the patient respond only through the interpreter removes the patient’s direct engagement and can distort the therapeutic relationship. Relying on written materials alone misses real-time questions, nuance, and the need for back-and-forth clarification. Ignoring confidentiality during interpretation violates patient privacy and undermines trust.