As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, it highlighted both the impressive capabilities and shortcomings of
the healthcare industry worldwide. The healthcare industry is constantly evolving and growing, and one
of its biggest challenges is breaking down language barriers. This challenge is becoming increasingly
important as the number of non-English speakers seeking medical care continues to rise.
Accurate communication between healthcare providers and patients is critical to correctly conveying and
understanding medical information. Even the smallest communication error can be life-threatening. The
medical industry requires significant improvement in communication and care for foreign-speaking
patients. Fortunately, the solution to this issue is integrating translation services into healthcare.
Here are some benefits of using a medical translation service:
Translating Medical Jargon
Medical jargon is complex and specific to each language, and it is only understandable to people with a
background in the field. For non-English speaking patients, understanding medical terminology is essential
to understanding their diagnosis, treatment plan, and potential risks. Medical translation services can
translate medical jargon into the patient’s native language, ensuring they fully understand their medical
care.
Ensuring Legal Compliance
The medical field is subject to many regulations and requirements, varying from country to country.
Professional medical translators are familiar with the specific regulations that apply to the medical field.
They can ensure that all translated documents meet legal compliance requirements. This is particularly
important for clinical trials, where protocols and regulations must be followed to ensure safety and
efficacy.
Helping with Package Inserts
Patients need to understand how to use medical equipment safely and correctly, as well as the potential
side effects of their medication. That is why package inserts and medical device instructions must be
translated into the patient’s native language. Medical translation services help ensure that after a patient is
discharged from a facility, they may self-administer care regardless of their language proficiency.
Ensuring Quality Care & Efficiency
Effective communication is essential for providing quality care, and medical translation services play a
crucial role. When non-English speaking patients understand their medical care as an English speaker, they
are more likely to trust their healthcare providers and follow their treatment plans. This ultimately leads
to better health outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.
Translating a Patient’s Medical History
A patient’s medical history is crucial to diagnosing and treating a condition or disease. However, if the
patient’s medical history is written in another language, doctors cannot fully understand their medical
background. Medical translation services can translate a patient’s medical history, ensuring that doctors
have all the necessary information to provide the right care.
Conclusion
Communication is crucial in providing quality care to patients in the healthcare industry. To ensure that
medical devices and technologies are accessible to patients and healthcare providers worldwide, they must
be translated into different languages. However, it is not enough to simply choose any translation service
provider. It is vital to select a certified candidate via the International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) and with medical subject-matter experts on staff to ensure accurate translations of medical jargon.
