Sammanfattning
With increasing migration, clinical encounters including three parts (patient, interpreter, physician) have become part of daily work. Patients who do not have the same language and cultural background as the healthcare professional challenge all involved. Such consultations rely on an interpreter who should not only be language competent, but also neutral and aware of cultural aspects that may influence the communication. The interpreter needs to balance between closeness and distance in relation to the patient and the physician, both emotionally and technically. The physician needs to be aware of cultural diversities, and should physically and emotionally turn to the patient, rather than to the interpreter during the encounter. The patient needs to take active part in the consultation and should not “hide” behind the interpreter. Time assigned for the consultation and the physical orientation of the participants in the room are other factors that should be focussed.