Professionally Trained and Experienced Interpreters Ensure Accuracy:
Accuracy is the quality or state of being correct or precise, oftentimes accuracy is not held to the standards it should be and in that case more can be at risk than one would think. Interpretation is the act of converting spoken word from the source language into the target language. The professional language service is slowly but surely being used regularly in various industries throughout the United States. Interpretation is a vital resource that allows non-English speaking individuals the ability to express themselves and understand information being provided to them in many different settings. Accuracy and precision in regards to interpretation have a tight knit relationship; interpretation can not in anyway be successful if accuracy and precision are not applied. There are two fields in particular that are known in the interpretation world as subjects which are strenuous to interpret for. Medical interpretation and legal interpretation both require the skill, expertise and knowledge only a professionally trained and experienced interpreter can provide. Understanding the importance of accuracy and precision in regards to interpretation will allow you to understand why providing professional interpretation services to non-English speaking individuals is the only way to successfully communicate.
Medical Interpretation:
Due to the rapid growth in diversity, healthcare facilities are facing language barriers on a daily basis. The United States is slowly adapting to the standard of utilizing professional interpretation services whenever interacting with non-English speaking patients, however the standard is not being implemented quickly enough. Interpretation services aid in combating the interference caused when vital communication is put to a halt. People require medical treatment regardless of the language they speak or the location they live in. Providing professional language services when caring for non-English speaking patients is the only way to ensure communication is accurate, clear and allows you the ability to provide optimal healthcare to your patients. Neglecting the need can cause additional injury, poor care to be provided, malpractice and possibly death.
Examples Displaying The Dire Need For Medical Interpretation:
Example 1. In the absence of a professional interpreter, a medical resident who spoke some Spanish was used to interpreter for a two year old girl with a clavicular fracture. The unqualified resident misinterpreted the words “se pegó” to mean the little girl was “hit by someone else” instead of the girl “hit herself” when she fell off her tricycle. Neglecting to provide professional interpretation services resulted in the two year old girl and her sibling mistakenly being placed in child protective custody for 48 hours for suspected abuse.
Example 2. In another case in which professional interpretation services were not provided, a three year old girl was brought to the emergency room with abdominal pain. She was discharged twice and returned with extreme abdominal pain. She was finally diagnosed with appendicitis which later perforated resulting in peritonitis, 30 days in the hospital and two wound site infections.
Example 3: After the lack of assistance from a professional medical interpreter, 18 year old Willie Ramirez was left in a poor state due to a language barrier. Mr. Ramirez was brought to the hospital in a coma. His family used the word “intoxicado” in Spanish to tell the medical providers they thought Willie had ingested something that made him sick. The word was taken out of context and the doctor diagnosed Mr. Ramirez with a drug overdose. It wasn’t until a few days later that medical workers figured out that Mr. Ramirez actually had a brain bleed, however too m use time had passed and the damage had been done leaving Mr. Ramirez a quadriplegic.
One small misunderstanding or poorly interpreted word can result in detrimental outcomes for non-English speaking patients living in the United States. Accuracy and precision are a must when accommodations need to be made in order to provide healthcare to the linguistically diverse individuals living in our communities.
Precision and Interpretation, The Art of Accuracy; Part 2, Legal allows readers to understand the vital importance of accuracy and precision in regards to legal interpretation. It will provide various examples of how inaccurate interpretation can leave a non-English speaking client facing injustice and offer solutions as to how to ensure accuracy and precision are applied to every interpretation session you’re engaged in.
Niki’s Int’l Ltd.is a WBENC-Certified Women Business Enterprise with 20 years of language service experience. A global network of highly skilled interpreters and translators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for on-site, telephonic and video remote interpretation services. Our linguists are available in over 350 languages and dialects, and our network includes certified interpreters and translators. Our work is guaranteed with a $1 Million Errors & Omissions policy, so that you can be confident that your project will be completed with the highest level of quality and professionalism within the field. For more information contact us at 1-877-567-8449 or visit our website at www.nilservices.com.