Sarah thinks: »How can one take any useful medical history like that? This must be so frustrating for everyone, the doctor, the patient and the child!
I need to talk about this over lunch with Dr. Uwe and Katharina from the team.«
After having watched the video, please think for yourself or discuss with your partner or within your group whether the following statements are correct or wrong.
Take time to think about possible reasons for both options before you read the answers.
Wrong.
There are big confidentiality issues when neighbours and roommates learn about the health issues, especially regarding infectious and stigmatizing diseases. Also, medical terms may not be translated correctly. Nevertheless, fellow refugees translating is unfortunately often the only way to be able to communicate.
After having watched the video, please think for yourself or discuss with your partner or within your group whether the following statements are correct or wrong.
Take time to think about possible reasons for both options before you read the answers.
Wrong.
Especially children should be spared from having to translate the health issues of their parents and other family members. Not only that they should remain uninformed about health problems of their parents, it should also be avoided to put them in a position where they are responsible for managing the family. So-called parentification can lead to mental health problems of the child.
Right.
This would be the ideal situation. Interpreting can be regarded as important for medical quality as other aids and appliances that are regarded necessary and are being paid for. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the majority of settings.
What is the situation in your country? Are there professional interpreters for health consultations? Is there an interpreter service on the phone/per video? Are interpreter services covered by the health insurance? Public service? The hospital?