The language barrier in hospitals is a huge disaster as it determines if the patient will receive the right treatment or not. That’s why Sign Language Interpretation for Hospitals is a major requirement. Imagine a communication breakdown between a patient and the healthcare provider. We should focus on increasing sign interpretation services in the hospitals; otherwise, more lives will be at risk just because of a language barrier. Here are enough reasons why hospitals need sign language interpreters.
Reduce chances of the wrong diagnosis
Take a situation where a deaf patient walks into the hospital with an emergency, and there is no sign interpreter. Though the doctor may try to understand the patient, there is a likelihood they’ll make the wrong diagnosis. Having adequate interpretive services in a healthcare facility will ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for these patients.
The language barrier is one of the major causes of medical errors in hospitals. It is time to acknowledge that not all healthcare providers understand sign languages, and emergencies cannot wait for a professional interpreter to show up. Having a competent sign language interpreter will save the patient’s life and help avoid litigation issues placed on the health providers and the hospital.
Support quality care
Often hospitals develop strategies, increase the number of medical staff, and buy specialized equipment to help provide better care. They overlook other vital aspects like the need for skilled healthcare sign interpreters. Despite the efforts to provide quality care, the overall goal won’t be attained unless all patients receive an equal level of quality.
An in-depth understanding of each patient’s medical needs and maintaining proper documentation must be prioritized in every healthcare facility. To help bridge the gap that’s often experienced when dealing with patients hearing challenges, hospitals should focus on having healthcare sign interpreters.
Boost patient satisfaction
Being treated and cared for may sound different to some people. Cared for is when you feel content with the services provided by the medical specialist. That’s what effective communication and mutual understanding do. Some deaf patients are likely to walk out of a facility not fully contented, simply because they faced a challenge trying to describe their problem and feel misunderstood. Or their inquiries were not responded to their satisfaction.
Such a patient will likely not show up in the particular hospital again. Having a sign interpreter will help eliminate such issues and improve patient satisfaction, translating to more business.
Sign Language Interpretation for Hospitals is a legal requirement, not an option. It’s time we eliminate communication challenges in our hospitals. That will ensure everyone receives proper and quality care.
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