Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth visits were on the rise — and with it, the need to bridge the communication gap for limited English proficient (LEP) patients.
Over the past 6 months, many hospitals and healthcare systems have scrambled to support their LEP patients remotely. Videoconferencing platforms were not specifically designed to add medical interpreters into care delivery. This also led to concerns about security and patient confidentiality. Telemedicine platforms are geared toward an English audience, which can increase accessibility issues for non-English-speaking individuals (American Well, Teladoc, and Doxy.me). Connecting to an interpreter using Zoom is complicated. What’s the other option then?
Related: Telemedicine Is Here to Stay, and Interpreting Needs to Be Part of the Conversation [Part 2]
Recentering language access
Virtual encounters have left out many LEP patients. CLI is up for this challenge.
We understand how essential it is for everyone to receive the care they need in their primary language. More than that, in the midst of a global health crisis, we knew the right technology was key to ensuring language access in telehealth sessions when in-person visits weren’t always safe or viable.
Since our inception, CLI has specialized in efficiently connecting remote interpreters, first over the phone and then expanding to video. While we worked with our clients on integration strategies with the third-party videoconferencing technology they used, the pandemic accelerated the release of our own solution for interpreter-assisted telehealth sessions.
We make 3-way video calls easy
This spring, we further enhanced our VRI platform and added a new three-way video call feature. This feature lets providers quickly connect to a remote LEP patient with an interpreter already on the video call — offering the advantages of face-to-face communication from a safe distance. It’s an effective way for providers to stay connected, limit exposure to illnesses, and reach patients where they’re most comfortable — in their homes.
And we made this feature as intuitive as possible. A provider simply sends their LEP patient the session link via a text and/or email. The patient can then join the session by clicking the link. The provider and medical interpreter will be standing by and ready to go as soon as the patient enters the appointment. It’s as easy as that!
Easing patient anxiety with translated materials
New technology often makes people apprehensive (for providers and patients alike). When a patient doesn’t speak English, their anxiety is heightened.
We created simple, clear instructions — translated into all our VRI languages — to help LEP patients connect with their providers. And the best part? The instructions are complimentary and provided free to all CLI clients.
Related: Free Multilingual Coronavirus Resources
Providers can send the translated instructions to patients in their preferred language before their appointment. Resources will improve patient accessibility. Providers can confidently conduct telehealth visits when everyone is prepared.
Partnering for success
Organizations are recognizing the critical need to incorporate interpreting services into their virtual care delivery for LEP patients. Access is an important consideration — for all parties involved. Every healthcare system works differently, but one constant is the imperative to reliably connect with medical interpreters whenever and wherever you need them.
“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple,” said Dr. Seuss We will give you simple answers to complicated questions. Partnering with an experienced language service provider like CLI who can implement remote interpreting solutions quickly and seamlessly is a must.
Want to stay informed? Subscribe to our ‘Open For Interpretation’ newsletter today.
