Medical Interpreting during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for LEP patients
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak health care providers are seeing more patients, many of them are LEP (limited English proficient patient) visits.
A limited English proficient patient (LEP patient) or person is an individual who does not speak English as their primary language and who has a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English.
If a patient is an LEP patient, it is important for healthcare providers to utilize the medical interpreting tools and services during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak so that they can provide their patients with the language access they need.
While the virus began in Wuhan, China, it has spread to many other countries. Therefore US healthcare providers need to be prepared to treat and communicate with every patient that may come through.
The most efficient way to help your LEP patients and reduce the spread of the Coronavirus is video remote interpreting.
Video Remote Medical Interpreting during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
VRI stands for Video Remote Interpreting. VRI is a very important tool when it comes to working with patients who do not speak English. When treating Limited English Proficient (LEP) patients, it is highly recommended for healthcare providers to add a video remote interpreter for medical interpretation during the communication session.
VRI can help reduce the spread of infection. Healthcare facilities can take steps to limit exposure by using VRI to communicate with their patients rather than meeting them in person. This can enable patients to manage symptoms at home, and keep them from coming into the healthcare facility unless needed.
Public health scares can be difficult and stressful for everyone, but it can cause even more strain for Limited English Proficient (LEP). If there is poor planning to provide language access in an emergency like this, it can lead to miscommunications that have health disparities and clinical consequences for LEP patients, unfortunate health outcomes and lawsuits.
Get the necessary training in order to become a competent professional interpreter. Register now for one of our interpreter training programs: Medical Interpreter Training, Legal Interpreter Training or Community & Business Interpreter Training.
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