Proper medical interpretation is vital for non-English-speaking patients to feel comfortable and get the best care. And, virtual medical interpreters are a great option for many health centers.
Follow these tips to facilitate communication with your patients.
Tips for Using Virtual Medical Interpreters
1. Make sure the patient understands their privacy
Cultural taboos make it difficult for many patients to discuss certain health matters. Having an extra person involved (the interpreter) may be uncomfortable, especially in reproductive health settings. Be sure to take a moment to explain that the interpreter is an extension of the clinic and everything about the visit will be confidential.
2. Give the option of voice only or video
Some patients prefer the anonymity of a telephone call, while others appreciate the more personal nature of being able to see who they are talking to. Make sure your patient understands that either is acceptable and available to them.
3. Look directly at your patient
It’s human nature to look at the person speaking, but keep your focus on the patient, not the medical interpreter. Keeping the focus (and your gaze) on your patient helps establish trust.
4. Go slow
Interpreting each sentence to the patient correctly is important, so don’t rush it. Be sure to use straightforward language, pause at regular intervals to help the interpreter to relay the details, and allow the patient time to confirm they understand everything as you go.
Equally, give enough time so the patient’s questions are answered thoroughly. When scheduling for appointments that require interpretation, remember to leave extra time as everything will be repeated in both languages.
5. Let your patient know an interpreter will be on stand-by
When a patient is anesthetized for a procedure, assure them an interpreter will be available as soon as they wake up. Make sure to explain that it will likely be a different person, but a trained medical interpreter will be available to support them the entire time.
6. Train your team
Teach staff how to access a medical interpreter, what languages are available, and when to utilize one.
Additionally, let your staff know that for procedures where anesthesia will be administered, they should connect with an interpreter as soon as a patient begins to wake up so they are ready at the right time.
Keeping things running smoothly will help ease the patient’s nerves and build trust.
Why Professional Medical Interpreters Make All the Difference
Healthcare providers know that non-English-speaking patients have a harder time accessing quality health care.
It’s important to understand that working with non-professional interpreters can put patients at risk. Similarly, interpreters without healthcare experience might misinterpret information.
Unless it’s an absolute emergency, family members should not be used as interpreters. A patient might be embarrassed to discuss their medical conditions in front of them, and they aren’t trained to understand medical terminology. Also in some cultures, certain procedures are not widely accepted, and family members may react emotionally.
Finding a Medical Interpreter Service That Works for Your Organization
It isn’t practical for most health clinics to employ full-time interpreters.
When deciding to use a virtual medical interpreter service, you should make sure the service can offer:
- Reliable access during your clinical hours.
- A wide range of languages to meet your patients’ needs.
- Flexibility to support phone, in-office, and telehealth needs with both audio-only and video support.
- Professional interpreters with HIPAA compliance training who can accurately interpret medical terms.
- Services that meet your budget.
If you choose a reputable company that has experience working with clinics and health centers, you can improve the patient experience and ensure the best care possible.
Alboum provides cost-effective, professional medical interpreter services for independent abortion clinics, other reproductive healthcare providers, and community health centers.
Our on-demand interpreter service is available in dozens of languages via phone, Alboum’s web portal or app.
Connection is under a minute for the most popular languages and is available 24/7.
