Improving Doctor-Patient Communication: Diagnosis with Phone Interpreter
Language barriers at the doctor’s office are a common challenge that can hinder effective communication between healthcare providers and patients. In an effort to bridge these gaps and ensure that all individuals receive the best possible care, the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany is investing in interpreter services. Doctors, on the other hand, are increasingly turning to telephone translation services to facilitate communication with patients who do not speak the local language.
One incident that highlighted the importance of overcoming language barriers in healthcare occurred at a medical practice in Kirchheim/Teck, located in the district of Esslingen. A sign reading „We only speak German here!“ sparked controversy and shed light on the difficulties faced by both healthcare professionals and patients when language differences impede effective communication. Patients who are unable to articulate their symptoms or medical history face added challenges during doctor visits, making it essential to find solutions to improve doctor-patient communication.
One such solution was implemented at the children’s clinic in Göppingen, part of the Alb Fils Hospital, where eight-year-old Velican and his father sought medical attention. Coming from Turkey and currently residing in a refugee shelter, Velican’s father did not speak German, presenting a communication barrier during medical consultations. Chief physician Dr. Fabian Kaßberger utilized a telephone translation service called „Triaphon“ to facilitate the conversation. By selecting Turkish as the language of choice, a trained interpreter was quickly connected to assist with translating the dialogue between the doctor, the father, and the young patient.
The convenience and flexibility of the telephone translation service proved invaluable in ensuring effective communication between healthcare providers and non-native speakers. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the service maintains patient confidentiality by providing anonymous translations. Dr. Kaßberger emphasized the importance of accurate communication in healthcare, stating, „I approached our management and requested this tool to address language barriers and ensure optimal treatment for our patients. Ensuring patient safety is paramount, and incorrect medical histories could have serious consequences.“
The „Triaphon“ service, founded by healthcare professionals, has been instrumental in aiding doctors during late-night emergencies and facilitating communication with non-German-speaking patients. While there are associated costs for healthcare facilities, the service aims to cover expenses related to technology, organization, and employing a team of over 130 language interpreters nationwide. The success of this telephone translation service has led to thousands of calls being processed monthly, highlighting the critical need for efficient language translation services in the healthcare sector.
In Heilbronn, a city in Baden-Württemberg, over half of the unemployed population consists of foreign individuals. Despite efforts to provide integration courses, many foreign job seekers struggle to secure employment due to limited German language proficiency. Access to language interpretation services, whether on-site or via telephone, remains crucial in facilitating communication between non-G…
