Language Barriers & Healthcare
Language barriers and how they interfere with patient care is nothing new, especially in large urban centers in the United States where communication continues to be a major problem. The constant flow of immigrant populations coupled with a lack of adequate resources needed to address communication barriers have too often resulted in serious if not fatal consequences. Those that are the most affected are immigrants that have a limited understanding of the English language, i.e. written and/or spoken.
In 2011, individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) represented 9% of the U.S. population, more than 25 million individuals, and that number is constantly increasing. According to a recent study comparing language proficiency and adverse events in hospitals, the adverse events that occurred for patients with LEP were more likely to be the result of communication errors (52.4%) than adverse events for English speaking patients (35.9%). Moreover, there was a higher percentage of adverse events resulting in physical harm compared to patients who were fluent in English.
Patient-physician communication requires special attention. In order to eliminate medical errors due to language barriers in the United States, we must make a greater effort to ensure safe and effective medical treatment for individuals who cannot adequately communicate in English. This means providing professional medical interpreting services providers when necessary, if not on site then at least on the telephone. Translating drug information, drug labels, and other patient-related materials is another a critical component.
*Language Connections works with many hospitals in the Boston area on a regular basis, providing both interpreting and translation services.
*Language Connections also offers a certificate training course for medical interpreters. Find out how you can become a medical interpreter. Visit our website at Medical Interpreter Training.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections Inc.
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com
