Why Patient Safety and Language Interpreters are so Necessary
Covid 19 is a primary occurrence for all communities and healthcare organizations worldwide. It has significantly impacted the way care is provided today. But despite COVID or any other care issue, patient safety is a required operating tenet in all healthcare settings. These issues stretch technical and people resources, create emotional waves in individuals, and need new ways to care for those inflicted.
During this time, as in all times, patients’ safety and their loved ones are at the top of everyone’s minds. But during emotional and draining times, safety is not always the outcome of our efforts. Most harm is caused, not with intent, but by inadvertent or unintended events.
We have many clinical and operational tools to help us provide safe care to those who need it. But unfortunately, these tools are often stretched beyond capacity, so error creeps into our consideration.
In addition, there are tools that we may not even consider as “safety” tools. A significant example of this is communication, specifically language barriers. Throughout the country, healthcare communities serve thousands of patients and their loved ones who cannot speak, read, or write English. Throughout the country, healthcare communities serve thousands of patients and their loved ones who cannot speak, read, or write English Language interpreters are crucial to preventing harm and promoting safety when patients lack communicative skills in English. Or are uncomfortable with their abilities to understand English in a healthcare setting. In those circumstances, language interpreters focus on creating clarity between the patient and the care team.
Language interpreters are crucial to preventing harm and promoting safety when patients lack communicative skills in English. Or are uncomfortable with their abilities to understand English in a healthcare setting. In those circumstances, language interpreters focus on creating clarity between the patient and the care team.
