Assess the family’s current language needs. Contact the patient before the appointment using the institution’s language phone line interpreter system to ask if they would like to have a bilingual Spanish/English interpreter present at the session.

Be knowledgeable about the language resources available at your institution. Use Qualified Bilingual Speakers for interpretation services. Family members or staff without this training should not provide medical interpreting in genetic counseling.

Schedule more time to allow for interpretation in the session.

Speak with the interpreter before the session to discuss his/her general approaches to interpretation and to review the medical terminology and concepts you plan to discuss.

Ask the interpreter or cultural broker to offer tips for effective communication.

Convey warmth and respect to establish rapport with the family.

Use simple terms, and give messages in small chunks.

Speak at a typical pace and your usual volume.

Look at the patient and address him/her directly. Allow the interpreter time to transmit what you just said. Do not interrupt.

Use language and culturally appropriate visual aids.

Use the institution’s Translation Services to provide accurate and culturally appropriate translation of all formal documents.

Informed consent documents should be available in the patient’s language. Take time to explain the general content of the informed consent document and to answer questions.

Explore the family’s personal views on the condition and all of the available options. Do not assume the family aligns with particular religious viewpoints or that you should not include certain topics in the discussion.

Use the TRANSLATE mnemonic tool to develop an effective working relationship with the interpreter, and provide optimal genetic counseling services to the family.