In today’s melting pot society every industry, including healthcare, faces the challenge of communicating with and providing services to non-English speakers. When doctors cannot understand what patients are trying to explain, or vice versa, the quality of the healthcare services can be negatively affected.
To improve the quality of healthcare for non-English speakers, medical facilities must improve the communication options between healthcare providers and the patient. This can be achieved by hiring professional language interpreters to provide service for non-English speaking patients. Companies providing interpretation services work to bridge the language barriers between healthcare providers and their patients. This communication bridge helps patients explain their condition better and feel comfortable that they are getting the help they need, while helping healthcare workers to fully understand the patient’s needs and provide quality care.
How it Works
In a situation where healthcare worker has to attend to a non-English speaking patient, the healthcare provider can call an interpretation service and coordinate for a live, telephonic or video interpreter. This interpreter will work with the healthcare worker and the patient to facilitate an accurate exchange of information that results in equal access to healthcare for non-English speakers and a higher quality of care for the community.
Below are some of the benefits of using translation and interpretation services in the healthcare industry:
Raising the Quality of Medical Care
When a healthcare facility uses interpretation or translation services, the quality of medical care provided to patients improves greatly. Improved communication between healthcare workers and patients results in more effective diagnosis and treatment, as well as reduced fears and confusion about medical treatment in the non-English speaking community. Additionally, overcoming language barriers allows a healthcare facility to provide services to a greater portion of the local community.
Complying with Government Regulations
In many states, it is mandatory for public hospitals and medical practices to provide interpretation services to patients. If clinics and hospitals proactively build relationships with an interpretation service provider, this helps the clinic meet state compliance requirements and also have quick and efficient access to the services when they are needed.
Reducing Patient Risk
If a healthcare worker is not able to understand patient or vice versa, it significantly increases the risk that the patient may be misdiagnosed or not follow the right course of treatment. Additionally, if a patient’s medical history from another country is not translated accurately, he/she may receive a potentially dangerous diagnosis or treatment. In healthcare, there is a critical need for healthcare facilities to use professional document translation services accurate patient reports and records.
To improve the quality of healthcare services they provide, as well as provide access to a larger patient pool, healthcare facilities should contact companies that specialize in professional translation and interpretation services. This will not only reduce the risk of miscommunication and misdiagnosis, but also boost the healthcare facility’s integrity and credibility with the non-English speaking community.
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