How Interpretation Service Improves Communication with Patients

In the vast healthcare landscape, language often becomes a problem for patients and healthcare providers to ensure clear communication. However, unclear communication and misunderstanding of medical advice can lead to serious health-related issues. At its best, you might face some reactions, and at its worst, there are life-threatening risks. Therefore, professional interpreting services are not only a need but have now become a necessity for precise healthcare. 

In this article, we will discuss what interpretation services are, their needs, and how they help with improved patient care. So, let’s begin. 

What are Interpretation Services?

It is a verbal form of translation provided by professional interpreting services or a team of interpreters. In other words, interpretation services are used to translate conversations, speeches, presentations, and other spoken languages into your preferred target language. Well, the application of interpretation is vast. It is crucial in almost every sector to ensure effective communication between two parties. The medical sector is prominent as it includes huge risks that can lead to serious consequences. 

There are different types interpretation services to entertain every user’s specific needs. The three major types are:

• Consecutive Interpreting

In consecutive interpreting, the speaker talks consecutively for a specified period of time and then stops to allow professionals available to interpret the message in the target language in real time. This is a back-and-forth procedure between multiple parties that makes this the most popular approach. 

• Simultaneous Interpreting

Unlike the previous approach, simultaneous interpreters do not wait for a break. As the name suggests they simultaneously interpret while the speed is taking place. 

• Over-the-Phone Interpreting

This is a phone-based interpreting that can also include the above approaches for being held. In this case, both parties or multiple parties are connected on a call or video call while delivering and receiving messages in their preferred languages from professional interpreters. 

Where Exactly Does Interpretation Meet with Patient Care?

Interpretation proves beneficial in almost every step of the healthcare procedure. Imagine a patient who speaks Italian and has a limited understanding of English or the local language of the region. This is how interpretation will support them:

• During Appointments: The interpreters ensure effective communication between patients and healthcare providers. They translate the patient’s medical history, previous diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment plans accurately to the doctor. 

• Informed Decisions: Patients can utilize interpretation services to ask questions and fully understand the treatment options before signing the consent form. 

• Discharge Instructions: Interpreters save patients from panic situations by allowing them to clearly understand the post-treatment instructions that lead to a better recovery. 

• Emotional Support: Interpreters help to understand complex and sensitive topics and offer emotional support by ensuring clear communication.

ASL (American Sign Language) Interpretation Services in Healthcare

ASL interpretation services are crucial for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. Just like the spoken interpreting services, ASL interpreters promote clear communication and help enhance the throughout healthcare experience of patients. With their experience, they translate medical information that allows hard-of-hearing patients to make informed decisions. 

How Does Interpretation Bridge Gap Between Patients and Healthcare Providers

Interpreting services act as a bridge between doctors and patients in several ways:

• Accurate Medical Information 

Medical information needs to be clear and precise. Interpreters are professionals who understand the complexities of medical terminology in both source and target language. They provide accurate translations of treatment plans, diagnoses, and other medical explanations. Moreover, they help patients to clearly express their concerns and conditions. This eliminated the confusion and misunderstandings that could lead to improper treatment and misdiagnoses. 

• Improved Patient Outcomes 

With a clear and precise understanding of treatment options, patients are better equipped to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Moreover, clear communication minimizes the risk of errors that lead to better medical adherence and improved treatment compliance. 

• Cultural Understanding 

Simple translation is not enough, cultural references are also crucial to develop a strong connection between patients and doctors. Certified interpreters go beyond simple translation. Their understanding of cultural nuances helps them navigate sensitive topics and ensure respectful communication. This understanding allows them to bridge cultural gaps and explain medical information in a way that resonates with the patient’s background. 

• Building Trust 

It’s hard to trust your life with someone you don’t know. And it becomes even worse if the next person speaks a different language. As a result, this language barrier becomes a significant source of anxiety in patients. Interpreting services removes this barrier. They prepare a platform for patients to open up and honestly communicate with doctors. This way patients feel more confident which leads to a stronger patient-doctor relationship built on trust. 

• Legal Compliance

Getting healthcare services in another region sometimes includes legal regulation for patients with limited English proficiency. So, under the state’s rule health care providers are legally mandated to offer interpretation services. 

Conclusion

Clear and accurate communication is crucial for stronger patient-provider connections. They provide patients the confidence to share their concerns with the doctors and get the right treatment. Misinterpretation can lead to serious consequences, therefore, get only professional help. Good luck!