Standards › Standard 24 › Policies
Policy · MTR-POL-002 · Version 1.0 · Approved by the ASF Expert Committee
Supports: 24.3
At a glance
- A competent interpreter is provided for consent, treatment discussions and discharge instructions (MTR-FRM-003).
- Staff who speak some of the language do not replace a competent interpreter for consent.
- The patient is asked which language they read, and consent is given in that language.
- Interpreter use is recorded for each contact.
- Stop and get help straight away if: a patient signs consent in a language they do not read.
1. Purpose
To make sure every foreign patient understands their consent and care through a competent interpreter (24.3).
2. Scope
| Applies to | Clinical and support staff in the hospital |
| Locations | All wards, clinics and departments of the facility |
| When | Whenever the activity described is carried out |
| Does not apply to | Activities covered by another document listed in section 15 |
3. Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clinical lead | The doctor or nurse in charge of the area at the time |
4. Background
A foreign patient who cannot understand the consent or the discharge instructions cannot take part in their own care. A competent interpreter is needed for these moments, not a relative or a child.
5. Responsibilities
| Role | Responsibility | Competence |
|---|---|---|
| International patient coordinator | Arranges interpreters and records use | Manager |
| Treating clinician | Uses the interpreter for consent and discharge | Clinician |
6. Materials and equipment
| Item | Requirement | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Records and forms named in this document | Current version | Checked before use |
7. Safety
- Stop and call for help if a patient is at immediate risk. Do not delay urgent care to complete paperwork.
8. Before you start
- Confirm the forms and equipment named in this document are available and current.
9. Procedure
Step 1. Arrange the interpreter.
- Arrange a competent interpreter for each consent and treatment discussion.
Key point: Arranged.
Step 2. Confirm the language.
- Ask the patient which language they read, and give consent in that language.
Key point: Confirmed.
Step 3. Record.
- Record the interpreter used for each contact (MTR-FRM-003).
Key point: Recorded.
10. Decision points
- No decision points in this procedure.
11. Special situations
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Out of hours | Follow the same steps. Use the on-call contact on the wall of the area. |
12. Escalation
- Any serious problem goes to the duty clinical lead at once and to the clinical director the same day.
13. Monitoring
| Measure | Target | Frequency | Owner | If not met |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consent discussions with a competent interpreter where needed | 100% | Monthly | International patient coordinator | Escalate to medical director |
14. Records
| Record | Kept in | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Record named in this document | Patient record or the area file | the period set by the facility’s records policy years |
15. Training
- Staff are trained in this document at induction and refreshed each year, with a recorded competency check.
16. Related documents
| ID | Title | Use |
|---|---|---|
| MTR-FRM-003 | Interpreter use record | Record |
17. Evidence
| Reference | Note |
|---|---|
| E-009 | Based on the WHO Patient Safety Curriculum Guide (2011) and the NICE guidance on venous thromboembolic diseases (NG158, 2020). |
| E-006 | ASF Policy Framework v1.2. Adapted. |
| E-009 | ASF Expert Committee consensus. |
18. Change history
| Version | Date | What changed | Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | the date of approval | First version | set Expert Committee approval |
E-learning for this document
References
- Accréditation Sans Frontières (2026). ASF Policy Framework v1.2. (E-006)
- Accréditation Sans Frontières (2026). ASF Expert Committee consensus on Standard 1. (E-009)