Application
This unit describes the skills required to understand and use health terminology in English and a LOTE sufficient to interpret between the two languages in complex dialogue or monologue settings in specialist health and allied health contexts.
This unit applies to those working as interpreters in a range of specialist health and allied health contexts where health services are provided with direct patient contact involved, or specialist medical topics are discussed. The interpreter may be required to interact with patients, their families and the health professionals working with them.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and industry codes and standards for ethical translating and interpreting adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently using support resources as required, while performing complex tasks in a range of health contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Identify the context of health terminology | 1.1 Identify key features of the public and private health system, including key people and structures in healthcare. 1.2 Describe standard procedures specific to communication in specialist health and allied health contexts. 1.3 Outline the role and responsibilities of interpreters and others in specialist health and allied health contexts, including obtaining valid consent. 1.4 Identify social, cultural and professional conventions of English and LOTE appropriate to health and allied health contexts. |
2. Extend understanding of health terminology | 2.1 Identify the fundamental word structure used in complex medical terms. 2.2 Recognise and explain abbreviations for complex health specific terms and associated processes. 2.3 Identify English and LOTE descriptors and euphemisms applicable to diagnosis and communication in healthcare. 2.4 Research and increase knowledge of health and allied health terminology in English and LOTE. 2.5 Spell and pronounce complex health and allied health terminology correctly. |
3. Use appropriate oral or signed communication in health contexts | 3.1 Receive and understand complex oral or signed instructions, comments and advice using complex English and LOTE health terminology. 3.2 Seek clarification of correct use and meaning of terms and associated processes. 3.3 Use a range of complex English and LOTE health vocabulary and expressions correctly in interpreting. 3.4 Apply prosodic features, gestures and body language in the health context. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following while interpreting in a complex dialogue or monologue setting on at least two occasions.
using social, cultural and professional conventions appropriate to the languages being used in health and allied health contexts, including:
customs, protocols and taboos
dialect, idiom, colloquialisms and language conventions
social conventions and consistent use of forms of address
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified, the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
anatomy and body systems
principles of medications and prescriptions
departments and sections in a hospital
principles of mental health treatment
health and allied health specialties
complex medical conditions and investigations
complex medical procedures and relevant equipment
obtaining valid consent to treatment or organ donation
patient signs and symptoms
relevant legislation and government policies
security, confidentiality and privacy
WHS relevant to working in health contexts, including hygiene and infection control
Assessment Conditions
Practical assessment must take place in the context of real or simulated interpreting.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Translating and interpreting