What is a key reason why friends and family should not be used as interpreters in medical conversations?

Using friends and family as interpreters in medical conversations is problematic primarily because they sometimes omit important information. This can occur due to various reasons such as personal biases, emotional involvement, or a lack of understanding of the medical context. Medical discussions often involve complex terminology and nuanced information that may not be correctly conveyed by someone who is not trained in interpreting. Consequently, critical details about a patient’s condition, treatment options, or instructions may be lost or misrepresented, leading to potentially harmful misunderstandings.

While friends and family can provide emotional support, which is certainly valuable in healthcare settings, their role as interpreters can compromise communication. Additionally, misunderstandings related to medical terminology and the unfamiliarity with healthcare settings can contribute to miscommunication, but the risk of omitting crucial information remains a significant concern. Ensuring that a trained interpreter is present helps to maintain the accuracy of the information shared and supports the patient's understanding of their health situation.