pd4me:

I've recently become qualified to do some medical interpreting and have been a little anxious about how 'professional' and 'detached' i should be with the Deaf client. I'm aware that medical situations are among those where the 'ally' model of interpreting can really strongly apply. With this in mind, i've been using the pre-consultation time to have a chat with the Deaf client - briefly asking some questions about what brings them there, then just a general chat to get used to their style - where are you off to on holiday, etc.

I find these chats work really well in getting the Deaf client comfortable with me if they've never met me before, but i'm wondering if they are working a little TOO well - as the first time i have used this approach the client gave me a big hug as we said goodbye after the consultation.

Is this a little too much for a professional interpreter-client relationship? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Hi,
I am apprentice interpreter in North Wales, I have not had expeince in communicating in thoses situation, but my job before this was Occupational Therapy. (medical based profession.

I had to learn and judge with the client how much was chit chat was necessary to build a relationship. This was tough and I would say I was still learning how to that up to when i was finshing that job.

At the end of the day they are Human they are in what can be a scarey situation, and some times interpreters and people who know their language are a life line in what can seem a very confusing place.

I can see it can be uncomfortable to be hugged after a professional situation, but maybe they are clinging to the only thing that makes sense and to life out side of the medical setting?

Hope this gives a different way of thinking.

Fleur

Hi
Most of my work is medical interpreting and I quite often get a hug at the end of the job just before leaving (usually from older deaf people). I don't mind at all as I think it is partly a way of showing that they trust you and appreciate you being there. Now... if the doctors started hugging me..... that would be a different thing altogether
It is sometimes difficult to know how much information to give while chatting before the appointment starts - only you can decide how much you want others to know about you. If I feel that the deaf person's questions are too personal I will either avoid answering, be very general or, if they are being cheeky will jokingly tell them they are being cheeky and laugh it off if appropriate.
H

Hi Cormac - I agree with Helen & Fleur (I do lots of medical bookings) - it sounds like you're doing a really good job! I too like to chat beforehand and find common ground - it's all part of building trust and a relationship with that Deaf person. I often find Deaf people give me a hug afterwards - like Helen - mostly older Deaf people. I interpreted some Deaf awareness training recently and the Deaf trainer told the group that hugs are a usual greeting and leave taking in Deaf culture... My only personal thing is that unless I know the Deaf person really well, I won't initiate the hug, but I'm very happy to hug back as it were!