Simultaneous interpreting in healthcare: A Survey-based study on the frequency of use and nature of encounters

Simultaneous interpreting in healthcare settings is typically reserved for emergency situations only. Nevertheless, this technique or mode of interpreting is employed in a variety of medical settings and situations outside of the emergency department. This study explores the frequency of simultaneous interpreting encounters in healthcare settings, and the nature of appointments or interpreted events during which this mode of interpreting might be called for, negotiated or chosen by the interpreter, and utilized. The findings are based on a survey of 662 practicing, professional healthcare interpreters in the United States who have used the simultaneous interpreting technique at least once, or during a series of clinical and non-clinical encounters.