Medical Interpreting: A Review of the Literature

Developed by J. Moore and L. Swabey
CATIE, College of St. Catherine/NCIEC
DRAFT ~ 2007

The following review of literature is broken up into sections for easier viewing on the web. If you would like to see the review in its entirety, you can download the PDF version. (160 kb)

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Introduction | Deaf Patient Perspectives | NonDeaf Patient Perspectives | Settings and Types | Challenges and Issues | Interpreting Role | Preparing to Interpret | Summary and Implications | References | Bibliography | Download PDF

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Introduction

Sign language interpreters frequently provide services in medical settings. In fact, one agency reported that the majority of requests for services they receive are for medical interpreting (RID Views, 1999, p.13). Others estimate the rate of medical requests at 30-50% (Swabey, Alvarado-Little, & Taylor, 2006, p. 60). Deaf citizens are granted the right to services both under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Despite the prevalence of medical assignments within the typical work schedule of many interpreters, there are relatively few comprehensive resources to guide interpreters wishing to work in this area, and little research on effective practices. The intent of a literature search was to locate resources; initial inquiry focused on sign language interpreting only, and expanded to address spoken language interpreting as well. Studies found were written from the perspective of interpreter practitioners, interpreter educators, linguists, and health care providers. This is a review of information gleaned from those sources.

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