Should an interpreter provide personal opinions about a patient’s case if asked?

Interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating communication between patients and healthcare providers, maintaining an environment that is neutral and unbiased. When it comes to providing personal opinions, the ethical standards of interpreting emphasize the importance of remaining neutral to avoid influencing the patient's understanding or decision-making process. By not interjecting personal opinions, interpreters ensure that the information conveyed is accurate and free from personal bias, which upholds the integrity of the interpreting profession. This neutrality allows the patient to receive information from the healthcare provider without the interpreter’s views potentially swaying their perceptions or choices.

This approach is essential in maintaining trust in the interpreter's role and ensuring that the communication channel is open and clear. It allows the healthcare provider to engage directly with the patient based solely on the professional information shared, without the additional layer of personal interpretation.