In clinics, hospitals, or any other healthcare outlets, there is a probability that you may run into communication barriers with the patients at some point in your practice. However, by using sign language interpretation skills, your relationship and the clients will overcome any form of the language barrier.
Benefits of Sign Language Interpretation for Clinics
For more accurate medical histories
Whenever you are treating a patient, it is important to receive an accurate medical history and understand their current symptoms. This can be challenging if you don’t speak your patient’s language. Even if there is a multi-lingual member, the member may know how to translate specific medical terminology or explain detailed treatment such as surgical procedures. With a qualified sign language translator, you will get the patient’s most accurate medical history and help you all communicate clearly with the patients.
For improved efficiency in Clinics
By working with a sign language interpreter, you are assured of accurate information from your patients; hence communication will run smoothly. This will improve efficiency in all aspects of care, from in-take to follow-up appointments, because you won’t have to make corrections for inaccurate information. A family member may not be available for every arrangement; an interpreter can be on-site, speeding up the doctor’s office schedule.
Boosts your community reputation
The use of sign language interpretations for clinics will boost your reputation in your local community. Patients who may have exceptional cases such as deaf and dumb will feel welcome in your clinic and receive better care than facilities without interpreters. It will also assure them that you genuinely respect and care about all your patients, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background. This puts everyone at ease and also creates a much better environment for healing.
Less stress for patients and their families
The act of seeking medical attention can be a stressful experience for everyone. Still, it is more difficult to communicate between the patients and the medical officer. When clinics don’t provide sign language interpretation for their patients, they may end up recruiting a person who may act as an interpreter. Unfortunately, this individual may not be trained to interpret specific medical terminology and make errors while translating. This may result in more complications later on, which may subject the patients to stress. However, this may not be when a clinic employs sign language interpretation as patients and families will relax without worrying that their voice is not heard.
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