How This Affects The Community?
Unfortunately, the lack of availability of interpreters translates into an ill-served Spanish speaking patient community that is in trouble. About 22.3 million people in the US have limited English proficiency. Yet in a high percentage of emergency department cases involving patients with limited English proficiency, no interpreter was used.
Studies have shown that language barriers can have harmful results:
Many hospitals are now opting to use medical interpretation services by trained interpreters via telephone and video-conferencing, but nothing compares to having a person sitting with you where you could interact and ask questions. This type of interpreting is often difficult for many people, especially the older community who sometimes is not that comfortable with technology or may even have hearing problems.
Health and wellness is a delicate matter that concerns trained professionals. To better manage the quality and accuracy of the healthcare provided, it is important for properly train interpreters to facilitate one of the crucial pieces, which is the communication between the provider and the patient. This will not only make a difference in the quality of care but also motivate patients to seek care whenever they need it.
