What does "conflict of interest" refer to in the context of medical interpreters?

In the context of medical interpreters, a "conflict of interest" refers to a situation where the interpreter has a personal stake or bias that could affect their impartiality during interpretation. For medical interpreters, maintaining neutrality and objectivity is crucial to ensure effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. If an interpreter has personal interests or biases related to the situation, it could compromise their ability to accurately convey information or facilitate understanding.

For instance, if an interpreter is personally connected to a patient or has a vested interest in the outcome of their medical care, their interpretation may be swayed by those feelings or interests, leading to potential miscommunication or ethical concerns. Therefore, it is essential for medical interpreters to recognize and manage any conflicts of interest to uphold the integrity of their role and the trust inherent in the interpreting process.