Language Solutions are Boosting the Medical Sector During Covid-19 Pandemic

In the wake of Covid-19, industries around the world have seen fluctuations in business. This has a domino effect on B2B companies such as language services providers, who are directly affected by the various sectors they work with. Some industries have moved online while others have ground to a halt. However, one language service is more crucial than ever: medical translation.

Medical translation and interpreting during Covid-19

The UN reports that there were 258 million global migrants in 2017. This figure has steadily risen since 2014. This means that, when the global pandemic hit, over 258 million people were living abroad, often navigating foreign languages, cultures and systems.

As healthcare systems around the world are pushed to their limits, systems need to run as smoothly as possible to ensure high-quality care. An increased number of patients means an increased number of native and foreign patients alike, boosting the need for language services.

Deaf and hard of hearing patients also need to understand vital information available to them in their native sign language. This can be achieved through access to interpreting and transcription services, making situations easier for patients, families and staff alike.

When medical translation services aren’t available…

Accurate communication between doctors and patients is vital. As Natalya Mytareva, executive director of the US-based organization CCHI (Certification Commission of Health Care Interpreters) says, “if the doctor is basing the diagnosis on the wrong information because they didn’t have an interpreter, then what good is that doctor?”. A lack of medical translation services can hinder medical progress. However, language services take a variety of forms and choosing the best one is vital to successful communication.

Which language services are the most critical during Covid-19?

Over-the-phone interpreting

Over-the-phone interpreting is a form of virtual medical translation service. Patients, doctors, and interpreters are safeguarded against infection by limiting the number of people physically present. Virtual services also mean that personnel can reach interpreters from anywhere, whenever they are needed. Medical staff can schedule an appointment ahead of time, or use services on demand.

Over-the-phone Medical interpreters use consecutive interpreting. The interpreter listens to the information from one party and waits until the end of the thought or statement before interpreting. This allows for a natural flow of conversation.

In-person interpreting

Where appropriate and safe to undertake, in-person interpreting provides a personal touch to communications. Interpreters can see body language and facial expressions, which adds to their understanding of the situation. For patients, it can be reassuring to have the physical presence of someone who speaks their language. 

Engaging the services of a professional virtual interpreter is highly recommended. Some patients use friends and family to interpret for them, however, they are not trained to stay impartial and deliver accurate messages. Medical interpreting requires a solid understanding of terminology and the ability to recognize misunderstandings. 

For more information about the different forms of interpreting, have a look at our article.

Transcription and Translation

Transcription is regularly used in medical settings, especially when handling reports and records. If medical services are stretched thin, transcription also provides a vital opportunity for medical staff to record events and save time in their daily tasks. This is extremely useful for both monolingual and multilingual situations.

Trained transcriptionists work fast and accurately. They are adept at handling confidential information, technical topics, and complex recordings in which audio is hard to hear or participants talk over each other. 

Transcriptions can be converted into certified translations. This helps foreign patients with comprehension and logs details of treatment for them. Documents which are already recorded in written form can also be translated quickly and precisely. Expert medical translators are specialists in both translation, medicine, and at least two foreign languages, meaning their work is of the highest quality.

Torjoman: Your Medical Translation Partner

At Torjoman, we believe there is no room for misinterpretation. We have been providing specialist language solutions for the medical sector for over 26 years. Torjoman’s expert linguists are adept at handling complex information and working to tight deadlines.

We’re looking forward to a return to normality but, until then, we hope everyone stays safe and well. If you would like to get in touch, please send us a message to find out more about what we do.