About this resource
Getting the booking right makes the session work. This checklist covers confirming the language and dialect, client preferences, on-site, phone or video, appointment length, location, confirmation, Auslan requests and recording the booking.
Purpose
To make interpreter bookings accurate and reliable.
Who it is for
Primary profession: Community services and case workers. Also relevant for social workers, allied health and multidisciplinary teams.
Client or participant group: Community services workers and administrative staff.
Practice setting: Any service booking interpreters.
Suggested uses
- Every interpreter booking
- Administrative staff orientation
- Service audits
- Team procedures
Instructions for practitioners
- Ask the client about language, dialect and preferences.
- Book early, especially for Auslan or less common languages.
- Allow extra time.
- Record bookings and any issues.
Accessibility considerations
Include Auslan and Deaf interpreters where needed.
Scope and limitations
A booking checklist. Follow your organisation's procedures.
Research basis
Professional interpreters improve communication, understanding and care for people with limited English. Cultural safety asks practitioners to examine their own power and bias, and is defined by the experience of the person receiving care.
- Curtis, E., Jones, R., Tipene-Leach, D., Walker, C., Loring, B., Paine, S. J., & Reid, P. (2019). Why cultural safety rather than cultural competency is required to achieve health equity: a literature review and recommended definition. International Journal for Equity in Health, 18(1), 174. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-019-1082-3
- Karliner, L. S., Jacobs, E. A., Chen, A. H., & Mutha, S. (2007). Do Professional Interpreters Improve Clinical Care for Patients with Limited English Proficiency? A Systematic Review of the Literature. Health Services Research, 42(2), 727–754. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6773.2006.00629.x
What is included
A 2-page printable A4 PDF, including a practitioner notes page with the research basis (version 1.0).
Originality
Original Practitioner Plus content: wording, activity structure, layout and icons were created for this resource. No third-party worksheets, illustrations or text were reproduced.
