RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Fifteen-minute consultation: How to use an interpreter in a medical consultation JF Archives of disease in childhood - Education & practice edition JO Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health SP edpract-2018-315989 DO 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315989 A1 Sofia Sarfraz A1 Ian D Wacogne YR 2018 UL http://ep.bmj.com/content/early/2018/12/10/archdischild-2018-315989.abstract AB The use of interpreters is essential in our multicultural society. The families and patients we treat come from differing backgrounds, cultures and spoken language. Many are not proficient in, or may even entirely lack, the ability to communicate effectively in English. As health professionals, we must meet their needs and manage the risks to provision of good quality care that language barriers may introduce. Use of an interpreter or interpreting service is an important skill, which is rarely formally taught in undergraduate or postgraduate curricula. Here, we present some of the pitfalls of using an interpreter, and offer some tips on getting the best out of their use.