Contracting

Julie, a new pediatric genetic counselor, is reading over her patient’s chart for next Friday. This patient has been followed by the genetics clinic for the past two years because of a chromosomal translocation. Since this is the first time Julie will see this patient, Julie pays special attention to the notes in the psychosocial assessment section of his chart. Julie finds that her patient, Alejandro, lives with his parents and teenage brother. The family immigrated to the United States from Mexico not long after her patient was born three years ago. Julie notes that this family has used an interpreter in the past. Since Julie studied Spanish for many years, and lived abroad, she is very excited about working with a family whose native language is Spanish. While reading the rest of the chart, Julie notices that an interpreter is no longer mentioned, leaving her unsure of the family’s current need for interpreter services. Julie is confused about what to do next. Should she call an interpreter to make sure one is available for her patient’s appointment? Should she just handle the genetic counseling case herself using her own Spanish language skills?

Personal Reflections

Have you ever been in a situation like this?

What has your past experience been working with interpreters?

What do you know about the interpreter services used by your workplace?

What experience do you have working with Spanish-speaking families?

What would be your first instinct in this situation?

Perspectives

Why might there not be an interpreter scheduled for this appointment?

How might the patient react if Julie schedules an interpreter for this session?

Do you think it is appropriate for Julie to speak to the patients in Spanish?

 

 

 

 

 

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