What is one potential outcome of using untrained family members as interpreters in medical settings?

The use of untrained family members as interpreters in medical settings can lead to emotional and cognitive biases interfering with accurate interpretation. Family members may have personal feelings, beliefs, or biases that can affect how they convey information. This can result in misinterpretation or omissions of critical details, ultimately leading to misunderstandings about medical conditions, treatment options, and care plans.

The nuanced nature of medical conversations often requires not just language translation but also an understanding of medical terminology and context, which untrained interpreters may lack. Additionally, if family members have a personal stake or emotional involvement in the situation, it can further cloud their ability to accurately transmit the information. This risk highlights the importance of using trained interpreters who can maintain objectivity and professionalism to ensure clear and accurate communication in healthcare settings.