Reading Part B53

B53. The guideline highlights:

Pregnancy care guideline 2018: Involving an interpreter:

It is the responsibility of the health professional to make sure that communication is clear. Accredited healthcare interpreters assist by translating the discussion between the health professional and the woman, communicating with the woman in her preferred language either in person or through a telephone service.

Involving an accredited interpreter, preferably with training in medical terminology, is recommended for all antenatal appointments if the health professional and the woman have difficulty communicating. Interpreters accredited by NAATI (National Association of Accreditation for Translators and Interpreters) have been assessed as having a high level of technical competence in both English and one or more other languages and are bound by a code of ethics including strict confidentiality. However, there is a shortage of accredited interpreters, particularly for languages of new and emerging communities. While involvement of female interpreters is preferable in antenatal care, their availability may also be limited.