MiTio’s Online Medical Terminology Course
Communication problems can lead to serious adverse events, therefore LEPs are at a higher risk of suffering the worst outcomes of healthcare practice. Language barriers can delay the administration of treatment and reduce the level of trust and quality of rapport between patient and healthcare provider. Statistically, 60% of the information from which a diagnosis is deduced derives from the speaking interaction between doctor and patient. Moreover, doctors must be able to explain the patients what condition they are suffering and how to take the appropriate medicines and follow an appropriate lifestyle.
It is unrealistic to expect bilingual colleagues in a healthcare facility to be able to interpret accurately and completely the information provided during an interaction if they are not properly trained to acquire this competence. The course also gives examples on how to ask for clarification to either the provider or the patient when something is not clear to the interpreter.
The MiTio Medical Interpreter Certificate Course also explains how interpreters can bridge cultural differences without incurring stereotyping and generalization. So, whenever an interpreter has the doubt that a cultural issue may affect the outcome of the session, the interpreter must inform both parties and check with the patient whether the observation was correct or not.
Today, various advanced technologies allow better access to interpreting services in healthcare facilities. Indeed, apart from in-person interpreting, providers can make use of over-the-phone telephone interpreting and video remote interpreting. Additional cues might be required by remote interpreters to understand the situation: where the session is taking place, what is the specialization of the healthcare provider, and who else is in the room. If just two people need to communicate at reception or pharmacy, a dual handset telephone may be enough. Video conferencing is the technology required when more people are involved or during a visit.
For more information on MiTio Online Medical Terminology Course for Medical Interpreters, please visit MiTio’s website.
