Remote Translator Helps Bridge Language Gap

Video remote interpretation (VRI) technology empowers patients who are deaf or with limited English proficiency, while reducing anxiety for providers.

The martti (My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter) device instantly connects high quality, medically trained interpreters with doctors and patients for round-the-clock via live video conferencing. The units allow patients and providers to actually see and communicate directly with interpreters at the touch of a button, within seconds, via a dedicated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant high-speed broadband network provided by Language Access Network, (LAN; Columbus, OH, USA), a leader in trusted healthcare communications.

All of the martti devices are on rolling stands, making it possible for one interpreter to stay with patients as they progress to different parts of the hospital. LAN provides the VRI services to hospitals and other medical venues across the United States, using highly trained interpreters for strictly medical interpretations in over 210 languages. The interpreters are located in dedicated call centers throughout the United States, and are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The rapidly growing client base includes over 350 medical facilities nationwide.

“We’re connected to actual people, who are on-call at all times. It’s not just a computer program, but a system that allows face-to-face interaction between the interpreters, patients, and hospital staff,” said Chad Solomon, RN, of Good Shepherd Medical Center (Longview, TX, USA). “This allows the interpreters to actually see the people they’re talking with. That’s important because they can now see facial expression and hand gestures, not just hear words.”

Related Links:
Language Access Network
Good Shepherd Medical Center