Hospitals are one of the major parts of our health care system. This is because there are numerous types of medical services that patients receive. Whether it’s taking x-rays, undergoing procedures, or receiving counseling, an interpreter must be there. A sign language interpreter can help a hospital employee communicate with a deaf person just as a hearing interpretation would assist a hearing individual to understand someone who does not speak his or her vernacular.
Importance of Sign Language Interpretation for Hospitals
In order to provide quality care, hospitals are required by law to provide services for all people who come seeking medical attention. The Americans with Disabilities Act has made this requirement quite clear. Without an interpreter, deaf patients cannot receive the same level of service as hearing individuals. Deaf patients might even be barred from receiving some types of care because they do not understand what is being said about their condition or treatment options.
Medical emergencies are often very stressful for all involved, but especially for deaf individuals who may not realize that there is a problem until it is too late. If deaf patients had access to sign language interpreters via video relay service technology, their access to health care could be greatly improved.
The role of a sign language interpreter in a hospital is to facilitate communication between hearing and deaf persons. The interpreter must know how to use the correct terminology, be sensitive to any cultural differences, and understand medical information to interpret it accurately. Without these services, patients may not receive the care they need and deserve.
When hiring Sign Language Interpretation for Hospitals, it is important to find an interpreter who has training in medical interpretation. This is because the interpreter needs a strong background in both sign language and general knowledge of medical terminology. One way to find an interpreter with the right qualifications is to partner with a national interpreting organization. These organizations can provide you with access to qualified interpreters in your area who meet the requirements of your hospital and state laws. Another thing to consider when hiring an interpreter is his or her certification. In order to ensure quality, ask the interpreter for proof of certification from a national organization such as NAD or TSBVI.
Hospital employees must be trained in communication with deaf patients so that when the interpreter is not available, they have the tools needed to communicate effectively and respectfully. This training should also include information about common medical conditions and procedures that many deaf people face, how best to communicate them, and any other pertinent information about their condition.
