Managing Waiting in an Exam Room
Editor's Note:
In the comments to Jimmy Beldon's previous post, someone raised the possibility of stepping out of the exam room to wait for the doctor or nurse in the hall to be sure they were familiar with how to work with an interpreter. Here is a follow-up commentary by Amy Williamson-Loga posting some questions about that very issue.
by Amy Williamson-Loga
I have a question I'd like to pose to all of you. During a medical appointment, the nurse generally starts in the examination room taking vitals, like pulse, temperature, and weight, and then asking preliminary information about what is wrong with the patient, This all happens before seeing the doctor. Generally, the nurse, after getting the information, then leaves the room, leaving the patient to wait for the doctor.
My question is how do you handle this waiting time. Do you stay and talk with the patient? Do you leave and wait outside for the doctor to come? And with these two choices, how do you interact with the patient? Do you ask them if they'd like you to stay or leave? Or do you just leave? Or just stay and engage them in conversation?
For me, it really depends on the individual and what my relationship with them is, but I'm really wondering how you handle this part of a medical appointment.
Translation by Doug Bowen-Bailey
In the comments to Jimmy Beldon's previous post, someone raised the possibility of stepping out of the exam room to wait for the doctor or nurse in the hall to be sure they were familiar with how to work with an interpreter. Here is a follow-up commentary by Amy Williamson-Loga posting some questions about that very issue.
by Amy Williamson-Loga
I have a question I'd like to pose to all of you. During a medical appointment, the nurse generally starts in the examination room taking vitals, like pulse, temperature, and weight, and then asking preliminary information about what is wrong with the patient, This all happens before seeing the doctor. Generally, the nurse, after getting the information, then leaves the room, leaving the patient to wait for the doctor.
My question is how do you handle this waiting time. Do you stay and talk with the patient? Do you leave and wait outside for the doctor to come? And with these two choices, how do you interact with the patient? Do you ask them if they'd like you to stay or leave? Or do you just leave? Or just stay and engage them in conversation?
For me, it really depends on the individual and what my relationship with them is, but I'm really wondering how you handle this part of a medical appointment.
Translation by Doug Bowen-Bailey
posted by Doug Bowen-Bailey at
11:44 AM
3 Comments:
Hello!
I've been an interpreter for many years. Generally speaking, as amy mentioned, my decision depends on the Deaf client, also on the Dr's office, the nature of the appointment, and many other factors. If I am familiar with the Deaf client, have a congenial relationship with them, i may be more likely to stay and "chat". Generally we don't chat about anything related to the appointment. I frequently tend to stay if the Deaf client engages me in conversation, sensing a "rudeness" on my part if i stepped out. This situation often arises with older Deaf consumers. Sensitivity of the appointment can go either way...i try to get a feel for the Deaf person's preference. Sometimes I will "excuse" myself to the restroom and return with the doctor.
Regarding the Doctor's office...how "it depends" is affected by the "tone" of the office. sometimes the docs seem to come more quickly to the appoitment when the interpreter waits in the hall...IMHO...because of the "nuisance" factor. Also i feel that in some situations waiting in the hallway emphasizes the "disconnection" of interpreter and Deaf patient, and keeps the doc or nurse from thinking i'm "with" the Deaf person who they are seeing today.
I believe that my practice is probably also affected by where i "grew up" and got my training - Rochester, NY. Waiting in the hall seems to be relatively accepted and encouraged here.
I think this is a fascinating topic...i am very very curious to hear what folks have to say about this! This is one of those "it depends" moments!
(Amy...i believe we met through a gally interpreting assignment several years ago? i was travelling from ohio, you were travelling from? NC?? Not sure if this is you or no...)
Again, it depends on the patient. One word of caution: some Deaf individuals will begin to ask questions or mention things they should have told the nurse. In that case, I smile, say something like "Great question! I will be happy to interpret it when you ask the doctor!" In some cases, finding a good excuse - like going to the bathroom - is necessary.
One more thing: of course, ALWAYS leave the room when the client is asked to undress!!!
Myself a Deaf person. I usually ask interpreter to stay and chat whether we never met or knew eachother, reason for that... is to develop better communicating system. Also, it allows for me to know whats going on out in the hall ie: doctor discussing (mumbling) with nurse or patient screaming outloud in next room. It helps me understand more about hearing world and knowing we, the deaf world, are not only one.
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