Imagine for a minute that you’re in a hospital setting and need to receive services but no one in the room is able to communicate with you because of a language barrier. Now, what if I told you that this IS NOT due to a spoken language barrier but due to an inability to hear what is being said to you….
How would you feel? Scared, anxious, angry, confused?
In America, the need for VRI services is on the rise and qualified interpreters are booked out for months for on site interpreting!
Enter video remote interpretation (VRI). That’s right, video remote interpreting is used most often for deaf or hard of hearing patients so that everyone is able to receive healthcare from professional interpreters.
Basics of Medical Video Remote Interpreting
An interpreter, that is usually at a call center or working from home, will use a high speed internet connection to connect to the call. They wear a headset during the call to hear what is being spoken.
Then, using a high quality tablet or laptop with video, the language interpreter will use sign language to sign to the camera. And the patient will sign back using the video technology.
Video remote interpreting services allow the deaf or hard of hearing patient to respond to the interpreter in real time which ensures effective communication.
How Does Technology Help?
This service allows us to bridge the language gap and ensures federal compliance for healthcare providers. Using technology, medical treatment can be received quickly during emergency situations rather than waiting for an on site interpreter to get to your location.
Technology is not only improving communication, it’s saving lives!
When patients feel heard and have a positive experience at a medical facility, they’re more likely to go back for treatment next time which is key to building trust. By building their trust, healthcare providers are able to coordinate the best possible treatment because the patient feels safe and secure in the environment.
Oftentimes, the facial expressions of the interpreter can be comforting to someone in crisis, too, because they’re able to show sympathy, kindness, and compassion. During the pandemic, no one was allowed into medical facilities except for medical staff so having a virtual companion was comforting for many people that were seeking treatment.
Minimum Standards for Medical Settings
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides the following minimum requirements for facilities that offer VRI:
-
- Real-time, full motion video and audio with a high-speed, wide bandwidth connection OR a wireless connection that allows for high-quality video images. Ensure that there are no lags, choppiness, blurred images, graininess, or irregular pauses in connection.
-
- The image must be large enough to show both the interpreter’s and patient’s full face, arms, fingers, and hands.
-
- Allow for clear and audible transmission of voices
-
- Operating staff that are using the equipment MUST have adequate training to set up equipment and operate it.
For more information on the minimum requirements for VRI under the ADA, visit the HRSA website.
Video Remote Interpreting Cost
The cost of using VRI changes based on the services needed and how much advance notice the interpreter is given. Usually, emergent or last minute needs will cost the facility more. Some qualified interpreters will charge hourly while others charge per minute.
If a facility has a frequent need, they may be able to work out a contract or retainer fee with a language services provider to provide as needed services for a flat rate on a monthly basis.
Hanna Interpreting Services LLC aims to provide every request with a customized quote that perfectly fits your specific needs so please reach out to one of our amazing customer service representatives to Request a Quote today!
In Conclusion
Everyone deserves the right to pursue both emergency and preventative healthcare services. Many patients choose not to seek the medical treatment they need because they don’t know if they’ll be able to communicate with healthcare providers or if their needs will be met or understood.
At Hanna Interpreting Services LLC, we provide language services in a kind, compassionate manner with our easy-to-book services and streamlined booking system.
Disclaimer: All content published by Hanna Interpreting Services, LLC is owned by Hanna Interpreting Services, LLC and is for educational purposes only. Published information is opinion, not fact, and should not be used in lieu of legal or professional services advice. Please consult a professional for help in regards to your individual situation or circumstances.
