Interpretation Services solutions encompass technological platforms and systems designed to help healthcare organizations effectively communicate with patients who have limited English proficiency (LEP) or are deaf or hard of hearing. These solutions leverage a variety of delivery methods—from real-time human interpreters to AI-powered automated systems—enabling healthcare providers to bridge language barriers while optimizing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes.
Interpretation services solutions
Synchronous interpretation solutions | Real-time interpretation services that provide immediate language support for live patient interactions, including video remote interpreting and over-the-phone options. Example companies: LanguageLine Solutions, Martti, AMN Healthcare Language Services, CyraCom, GLOBO |
Asynchronous interpretation solutions | Language services that enable communication across language barriers through pre-translated materials, document translation, and non-real-time interactions. Example companies: Lionbridge, TransPerfect, LILT, Morningside Translations |
These are example companies, and not meant to be comprehensive. Did we miss your company? Schedule some time to connect.
The case for interpretation services
The language diversity of patient populations continues to expand, creating urgent communication challenges that traditional interpretation methods cannot effectively address. As healthcare facilities serve more LEP patients and hard-of-hearing individuals, digital interpretation solutions have emerged as essential technologies that transform how care is delivered across language barriers.
Prevent clinical miscommunication and medical errors
Language barriers significantly compromise patient safety and clinical effectiveness when not properly addressed. Patients with LEP experience worse hospital outcomes, including more readmissions, adverse events, longer lengths of stay, mortality, and decreased patient satisfaction compared to their English-proficient counterparts.1 Furthermore, adverse events affecting LEP patients are nearly twice as likely to involve physical harm compared to English-speaking patients.2 Interpretation services address these challenges through immediate access to qualified interpreters and translation tools.
Address overhead costs
Traditional interpretation methods can create substantial administrative and financial challenges for healthcare providers. Digital interpretation services streamline these processes through on-demand access and resource optimization. While these services can cost around a few hundred dollars per patient per year, this cost is often offset by enhancing patient experiences to encourage them to comply with their care and reducing testing and visit time.3 Strategic deployment of synchronous and asynchronous solutions allows healthcare systems to match interpretation modality to clinical and patient need, creating substantial operational efficiencies.
Improve patient experience and regulatory compliance
Language barriers significantly impact patient satisfaction and create compliance risks. LEP patients report lower satisfaction scores compared to English-speaking patients, with communication difficulties cited as the primary concern.4 Simultaneously, language access in healthcare is governed by multiple federal regulations, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Digital interpretation services address both challenges through consistent, documentable language support. This enhanced experience translates directly to improved HCAHPS scores, higher patient retention, and reduced legal risk.5
Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11047028/#:~:text=A%20strong%20body%20of%20research,28
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1801038/#:~:text=In%20the%20study%20the%20authors,to%20receive%20competent%20language%20services.%E2%80%9D
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1448350/#sec5, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2992399/#s002
- https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1043&context=jhdrp#:~:text=These%20studies%20consistently%20show%20that,Bureau%20of%20Census%2C%202004)., https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/how-should-clinicians-respond-language-barriers-exacerbate-health-inequity/2021-02#:~:text=When%20communication%20barriers%20persist%2C%20patients,comfortable%20with%20postdischarge%20care%20regimens.&text=Poor%20communication%20also%20affects%20clinicians,and%20increased%20morbidity%20and%20mortality.&text=Although%20LEP%20is%20an%20independent,parents%20who%20are%20English%20proficient.&text=These%20disparities%20are%20further%20exacerbated,in%20children%20with%20special%20needs.
- https://www.amnhealthcare.com/amn-insights/language-services/blog/boost-lep-patient-satisfaction-with-language-services/
