ABSTRACT
The main characteristics and settings of remote (telephone) interpreting in healthcare services are described in comparison to face-to-face interpreting. Some of the main challenges remote and telephone interpreters have to face in their daily performance are explained. A brief historic overview of remote and telephone interpreting in healthcare settings is provided before tackling the most critical issues of this modality, including the lack of visual context, challenges related to the coordination of talk and participants, the use of technology, interpreters’ working conditions, the impact of stress and emotions, the provision of specialised training, and ethical dilemmas. The final section deals with the main research areas, with a focus on methodological aspects and results, as well as future research directions.
