ULG’s Language Solutions Blog

Remote Medical Interpreting: What Does This Look like?

 

Throughout the numerous lockdowns that the COVID-19 crisis induced upon us all, remote personal interaction became the new normal. It's what reduced potential exposure for everyone around the world, but it also came with its own set of challenges - particularly for participants who don't speak the same language.

This is where RMI came in - Remote medical interpreting was the saving grace when one had to overcome language barriers, and maintain the social distance rules at the same time.

Let's dive in a little deeper, and find out precisely what remote medical interpreting looks like.

 

What is Remote Medical Interpreting?

Remote medical interpreting comes in two flavors: over-the-phone, and video calls.

As you have no doubt already figured out, remote video interpreting makes use of video. It represents a telecommunication service that works off devices like phones, laptops, and webcams.  

In the medical world, this is used to assist in language translation, or for someone hard of hearing. After one participant finishes talking, the interpreter will interpret what was said for the other participant. Other ways to do this involve using technology to translate as the participant speaks - hearing back their own language as the other participant talks in theirs.

The need for remote video interpretation has grown immensely due to the pandemic. In fact, Telehealth use surged from 8% of Americans in December (2019) to 29% in May (2020) for primary care and mental health physicians and specialists.

This is expected to continue post-pandemic as more and more benefits of remote medical interpreting come to light.

Let's find out what just some of them are.

 

The Benefits of Remote Medical Interpreting

Fast Response for Emergencies

Whether somebody needs help in a particular spoken language, or American Sign Language, they can turn to RMI. It provides fast responses in seconds - the perfect solution for urgent situations.

 

Presents a suitable resolution for telehealth

Remote medical interpreting provides on-demand access to interpreters. This is especially important for healthcare providers who use video-conferencing and telemedicine platforms for meetings. It represents easy access that can effortlessly integrate into a telehealth system.

 

Visual Support

There is plenty of visual support provided throughout remote medical interpreting that offers enhanced accuracy. It's suitable for spoken languages and ASL - American Sign Language.

 

RMI is cost-effective

Remote medical interpreting fills the gap between on-site interpretation services. This usually requires a minimum of a two-hour charge, with the possible added costs of travel and mileage charges. RMI can help optimize your interpretation budget, while reaping the rewards of a world of benefits that come with it.

 

Life Science Language Solutions 

At United Language Group we pride ourselves in being industry experts, so you don’t need to take the time to bring us up to speed on regulations, industry-specific guidelines, and the strictest global requirements. We understand scientific language and processes as well as the intricacies of settings in which your translations may be used. Let’s connect.

Contact Us to Learn More