interpretation

There is a High Demand for Professional Medical Interpretation Services:

There is a growing need for professional medical interpretation services within healthcare settings due to the drastic increase in non-English speaking individuals in America. This rise in diversity is a wonderful addition to our great country, however, as with any change, accommodations need to be made as to ensure everyone is granted the same optimal care that is provided to the mainstream, English speaking American population. 

Providing medical interpretation services when there is a language barrier present, drastically aids in a smooth integration. In a medical situation, stress and worry can get the best of people and throwing a language barrier into the mix can add unwanted and unnecessary confusion. When a person is not able to express themselves and understand the information being provided to them, room for error and mistakes can occur and result in detrimental outcomes for the non-English speaking patient as well as the medical staff involved. The only way to ensure proper and accurate communication is facilitated is by incorporating the aid of a medical interpreter.

Providing Medical Interpretation Services is the Law:

With the widespread increase in diversity in America, commonly encountered language barriers are preventing medical staff from understanding, communicating and providing quality care to non-English speaking patients. Healthcare workers are witnessing first hand the implications caused by language barriers on a daily basis. In efforts to combat poor patient care caused by language barriers, laws have been passed to protect the rights of non-English speaking individuals in the United States. Providing medical interpretation services is not an option, but a requirement by law under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Section 1557

Neglecting to Provide Professional Medical Interpretation Services Can Be Dangerous for Non-English Speaking Patients:

Not only can language barriers prevent effective communication from taking place it creates a trickle effect that can lead to detrimental outcomes. Some of the negative effects caused by language barriers in medical settings include longer hospital stays, limited access to medical care, a higher rate of stress and anxiety, additional injury, prolonged illnesses as well as inadequate follow-up care.  

Not Providing Medical Interpretation Services Can Also Result in the Following:

  • Misleading information being provided to patients
  • Delayed patient treatment
  • Inappropriate treatment of patients
  • Complications or possible death
  • Patients oftentimes sign consent forms without fully understanding the planned medical treatment
  • Medical providers can be sued for malpractice

Not Providing Medical Interpretation Services Can Be Fatal:

Gricelda Zamora, a thirteen year old girl was taken to the hospital because she was experiencing severe abdominal pain. She normally acted as an interpreter for her Spanish speaking parents, but was too ill to interpret for herself. After a night in the hospital of observation, her parents were told, without the aid of an interpreter, to bring her back immediately if her symptoms worsened, otherwise follow up with a doctor in three days. Her parents didn’t understand the instructions and thought they were just supposed to bring their daughter back in three days. After two days, Gricelda became so weakened and ill, her parents brought her back to the hospital, where she died of a ruptured appendix within a few hours. 

A lack of understanding and confusion caused by a present language barrier claimed the life of a young girl. She could have been easily treated and on her way to a full recovery with a healthy life ahead of her, however neglecting to provide professional medical interpretation services resulted in her death. 

Contact Niki’s Int’l Ltd. When in Need of Medical Interpretation Services:

Not providing an interpreter is no longer an option, it’s required by law that if there is a need for an interpreter then it must be provided. Not providing an interpreter can cost not only lives but can put the medical facility in a position to be sued for malpractice. If your medical facility is in need of setting up a partnership with a reputable language service company (LSC), then contact Niki’s Int’l Ltd., a LSC with over 20 years of experience breaking down language barriers. Gain access to interpreters in over 350 languages and dialects and choose from various interpretation services to accommodate all of your language needs. Don’t allow a language barrier to prevent you from providing the best care possible, take action and abide by the law by providing professional medical interpretation services.  

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.

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