Interpreting for deaf children in healthcare settings: An exploration of challenges and strategies

Abstract

Good health literacy enables individuals to look after their health and well-being. However, deaf adults are seven times more likely to experience poor health literacy then their hearing counterparts, leading to poorer health outcomes. To improve health literacy levels in the deaf community, researchers emphasise the need for deaf children to access health-related information. When a child attends healthcare appointments, a qualified sign language interpreter is therefore essential. However, interpreting in this environment is a complex phenomenon. This qualitative study adopts an emic perspective to explore the challenges encountered by interpreters and some of the strategies adopted. Ten registered sign language interpreters with experience of working with deaf children in healthcare settings were selected to be involved in the research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with each participant and reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data. This study illustrates that, in addition to linguistic skills, an interpreter needs to possess interpersonal skills to conduct themselves in a professional manner and work in collaboration with the healthcare practitioner, child and parents. Additionally, the research shows that in this environment, interpreters may experience intrapersonal demands, highlighting the need for them to manage their emotions and look after their own well-being.