What is the role of an interpreter/cultural mediator in a women’s health center? The roles are many, and are aimed at helping both the woman and the doctor.
For a foreign women like you, he/she is a key figure for providing easier access to service. He/she welcomes women and reassures them, and understands their questions and their needs, even for delicate, personal matters such as fertility, sex life and contraception, topics that in some cultures are not talked about very much, and of which even less is known, which are often experienced with different mindsets by Italian women. The cultural mediator translates information, documents, instructions, exam notes and treatment methods. He/she accompanies them when necessary to other services provided by the women’s health center, etc.
Even for doctors and other health professionals, they are very important figures that facilitate effective communication between the parties through translation of information and requests. They are able to pass on knowledge relative to different cultural contexts and practices. They make the responses from both parties directed and efficient. They avoid and prevent misunderstandings and misconceptions, and “streamline” visits and the passage of information. They introduce elements of organizational change and adaptation of protocols and procedures based on the characteristics of the woman.
