Medical interpreters play a critical role in providing quality care for patients with limited English-Proficiency (LEP). Language services are an invaluable partner to ensure that patients understand their medical information and can effectively communicate with their care providers.
The presence of an interpreter in medical settings can often be the difference between success and failure for limited English proficiency speakers. Without access to appropriate interpreting services, LEP patients are at a higher risk of experiencing health disparities due to a lack of understanding of medical procedures and diagnoses. To improve patient care and experience, medical professionals need to understand the different types of interpreting services available, such as in-person, phone, and video interpreters.
The Different Modes of Interpretation
As healthcare providers, we understand that effective communication is crucial to providing high-quality patient care. But when language barriers exist between patients and providers, communication becomes a significant challenge. This is where interpretation comes into play.
Interpretation refers to the process of converting spoken language from one language to another in real-time. It differs from translation which involves the conversion of written text from one language to another and is done in advance.
There are several different modes of interpretation that healthcare providers can use to improve communication with their patients, including in-person, phone, and video interpretation.
In-person interpretation involves an interpreter physically present with the patient and provider during the appointment. It allows for face-to-face interaction between the patient and interpreter, increasing comfort and trust. This mode of interpretation is particularly useful for patients with complex medical histories or who require detailed explanations, as it allows for physical gestures and non-verbal cues to be more easily communicated. However, in-person interpretation may be difficult to schedule and can be more expensive due to travel time and expenses, especially if the interpreters are not in-house.
Phone interpretation involves an interpreter who is not physically present but is accessed through a telephone. It provides quick and easy access to interpretation services, regardless of the patient’s and interpreter’s location. This mode of interpretation is convenient, cost-effective, and readily available. It can be particularly useful for patients who require immediate interpretation services or for healthcare providers who serve a large number of patients with limited language access. However, phone interpretation lacks the non-verbal cues and physical gestures that can enhance communication.
Finally, video interpretation involves using video technology to connect the healthcare provider and the patient with an interpreter. It provides the benefits of in-person interpretation while eliminating the need for travel and increasing availability. This mode of interpretation is particularly useful for patients who require visual cues, like deaf-or-hard-earing, or for healthcare providers who work in a remote or isolated area. It can be helpful when the patient and interpreter speak different dialects or languages. However, technical difficulties or internet connectivity issues can disrupt communication and cause delays.
How to Choose the Right Mode for Each Patient
1. Consider the patient’s preferred language: Knowing the patient’s primary language is essential to determining which mode of interpretation suits them.
2. Evaluate the situation’s urgency: For urgent medical needs, in-person interpretation is usually the most appropriate. However, phone and video interpretation can also be effective for non-life-threatening medical concerns.
3. Assess the patient’s comfort level: Some patients may feel more at ease with an interpreter present, while others may feel more comfortable with a phone or video interpreter. Consider their preference to ensure they are at ease during their medical appointment.
4. Determine the availability of interpretation services: For languages that are not commonly spoken, in-person interpretation may not be an option. However, phone and video interpretation offer real-time language access, making it more accessible for patients with limited language options.
Choosing the right mode of interpretation is essential to improving patient care and experience. Medical professionals must consider each patient’s unique needs to provide accurate, timely, and culturally sensitive care. By ensuring patients can communicate effectively with their medical providers, they will receive better healthcare outcomes and an improved overall experience.
The Impact of Interpretation on Patient Care and Experience
Studies have shown that providing interpretation services can help improve patient care and experience in several ways. First, it helps establish trust and rapport between medical professionals and immigrant patients. Patients who feel understood and valued by their healthcare providers are more likely to be engaged in their care and follow through with treatment plans. Secondly, interpretation services ensure that patients receive accurate and comprehensive medical information. When patients are informed about their conditions, medications, and treatment plans, they are more likely to feel empowered to take control of their health. Lastly, providing language services helps improve patient safety and reduce the risk of medical errors. This is especially important when dealing with medications, dosages, and allergies.
In addition to improving patient care, offering interpretation services can help healthcare organizations meet regulatory and compliance requirements. Under the Affordable Care Act, hospitals and clinics that receive federal funding must provide language assistance services to patients with limited English proficiency. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and negative publicity.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to best work with interpreters in healthcare settings, consider enrolling in my course, Working with Interpreters in Healthcare Settings. This course is designed to help medical professionals navigate the complexities of interpretation and translation in a healthcare context.
Schedule a call with Joa Tudela to learn more about how we can help you provide better language services in healthcare organizations.
