Upskilling the Interpreter workforce in palliative care
Brisbane South PHN has recently completed a review of palliative care priorities and identified upskilling the interpreter workforce as a focus area to progress. As part of this process, interpreter engagement in palliative care was examined through a literature review and local stakeholders were also consulted. All sources highlighted that Interpreters are important, but not always engaged. Language barriers impact the quality of care and outcomes at end of life, however the use of family as interpreters has shown to be inadequate due to lack of understanding of palliative care and due to the emotional and relationship context.
2M Language Services has been selected by Brisbane South PHN to develop and deliver an interpreter training program which aims to enhance the delivery of effective, high quality palliative care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
The program
2M Language Services is working with Brisbane South PHN to upskill interpreters in palliative care through a specialised training program. With an innovative and engaging program design, participants can expect to explore 4 main themes relevant to interpreters working in palliative care:
- Interpreting information exchange in a palliative care setting
- Interpreting for patient and family caregivers
- Communicating sensitively and in a culturally appropriate manner
- Placing patients at the centre of their care where possible
In a hybrid delivery method, the program will be conducted in the format of face-to-face and 2M Academy webinar sessions. All training will be provided by highly educated, experienced industry experts and specialist health interpreters.
The training schedule will be published in early September 2022.
Program outcomes
Interpreters embarking on the program can expect the following outcomes:
Short Term Outcomes
- Improved knowledge of palliative care
- Increased comfort and confidence participating in palliative care discussions
- Improved overall interpreting skills in palliative care conversations
Medium-Term Outcomes
- Increased number of interpreters willing and able to participate in teams around palliative care
- Improved quality of palliative care discussions between patients, their loved ones and the multidisciplinary team (MDT)
Long Term Outcomes
- Improve the quality of palliative care received by CALD patients
- Improve cultural safety of palliative care provided by the MDT
Eligibility criteria
Working in palliative care as an interpreter requires a unique set of skills. This program is designed for interpreters to fine-tune their approach and advance their professional skills.
Please see the eligibility criteria before applying to the program. To apply, you must be:
- A NAATI-certified Interpreter, Specialist Health Interpreter, Certified Provisional Interpreter, Recognised Practising Interpreter or a Non-Certified Interpreter
- Currently working as an interpreter
- Based in Queensland*
*Full training is available to interpreters based in Queensland, however interstate interpreters are welcome to apply to partake in the hybrid section of the program.
Apply to the program
Apply to the Upskilling the Interpreter Workforce in the Palliative Care (UIWPC) Program below. Please check that you meet the above eligibility criteria before applying.