Question 4. What are the Legal and Ethical Implications of Medical
Student Interpretation?
Ethical challenges have been raised regarding the use of medical
students as interpreters. Hospital staff and policymakers were concerned
about students’ lack of knowledge in the ethical principles and
professional conducts of interpreting. 33 A key
requirement of professional interpreters is maintaining professional
detachment and impartiality. This can be challenging for medical
students who are learning to be part of the healthcare team. The
literature shows that students may see themselves as “patient
helpers”, which reflects principles of patient-centered care taught in
their education, but is inappropriate in the context of interpretation
(due to inability to maintain professional detachment).42 Another ethical concern raised was the possibility
of students working beyond the limits of their capacity. The power
imbalance makes it difficult for students to refuse staff physicians’
requests. As a result, students may feel pressured to interpret even in
situations which are not appropriate for their skill levels, especially
when no other resources are available.25, 32Furthermore, Yang et al emphasized the need for patients to be fully
informed and to give consent for the medical student to interpret.
Finally, hospital stakeholders have raised the question of determining
in which situations students should be allowed to interpret. Some
expressed that they should not interpret in situations involving
sensitive discussions about mental or sexual health.35 Variables such as the student’s fluency, patient’s
comfort level, and unexpected questions could all add burden to the
team. 33 Certain supervisors proposed that students
should interpret during emergencies when professional interpreters are
not available, while others suggested student involvement in low-risk
situations where only simple messages are relayed. 25