Video Remote Interpreting for Hospitals and Clinics
Communicating with a deaf patient may require the use of a certified sign language interpreter, either on-site at your medical facility or remotely via Video remote interpreting (VRI). The primary concern is communication with the patient and compliance with the ADA and HIPAA.
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) uses videoconferencing equipment, HIPAA compliant encrypted software, and the Internet to connect a video interpreter in a remote location, usually a call center, with the doctor and deaf patient in the hospital or medical office. VRI is a useful alternative in a number of settings including hospitals, medical offices, mental health facilities, police stations, prisons, schools, and workplaces.
Medical settings may require an on-site interpreter, especially if the patient is young, has poor vision, or is heavily medicated. Whether using an on-site interpreter or remote one via VRI, you want to be sure the interpreter is well-versed in medical signs and terminology.
Situations where VRI can meet special hospital needs:
1. Emergency room. VRI can get your medical staff through triage and communicate until a local community interpreter can arrive.
2. Routine Office Visits. For short office visits, VRI should be your first choice. Why pay a local interpreter a two-hour minimum for a 15 minute assignment.
3. Hospital Discharge. Discharge instructions are often critical to a deaf patient, but rarely take longer than 15 or 20 minutes. VRI is available 24/7 without waiting for a community interpreter to arrive.
4. Immediate Attention. A deaf patient may need immediate medical attention that cannot wait for a local interpreter to arrive.
5. Overwhelmed Staff Interpreters. Large hospitals sometimes directly employ one or more staff interpreters. On-site interpreters should be used for those situations where VRI is not the best solution, such as with children and many mental health settings. VRI can backup your in-house staff.
6. Remote Locations. Your clinic may serve a rural population located far from the nearest qualified interpreter. VRS providers have hired away many sign language interpreters leaving communities with a shortage. No matter where you are in the world, if you have a webcam and a broadband Internet connection, your deaf patients can be served.
7. Hazardous Locations. You may not want to send an on-site interpreter into a part of your hospital where they are exposed to contagions.
Not all medical situations are suitable for VRI, but for the ones that are, VRI will keep your hospital ADA and HIPAA compliant, serve your deaf patients, and save money at the same time.
Learn more about VRI. Stop by Accessible Communication for the Deaf’s site where you can find out all about VRI sign language interpreters and what they can do for you.
