Interpreters are a vital part of the health system and should be used by health professionals when working with a patient who has limited English proficiency.

In this short video, we show health professionals how to work with interpreters to complete a cognitive assessment for an older person with suspected dementia.

Our key messages are:

• Direct conversation towards the patient, not the interpreter.
• Use non-technical language.
• Use short sentences and allow time for the interpreter to relay what you have just said.
• At the end of the assessment summarise the key points.
• Make sure the patient is clear on any issues that need following up.
• Do not use family members as interpreters.
• Try to identify/recognise if there are any power dynamics in the family.