Interpret Solutions

Healthcare

In Spain, the growth of non-Spanish-speaking immigrant population is a very good example of the need to provide some services that enable that communication. While in 2004 the number of immigrants who arrived in Spain and did not speak Spanish (from the European Union, rest of Europe, Africa and Asia) was about 380,000 people, in 2005 that figure increased to 400,000 people and in 2006 it reached to 430,000 people, according to INE (Spain Statistics National Institute). In adittion, if further cultural and social needs are considered, then serious issues might arise when these patients are taken care of in hospitals or walk-in clinics.
Patients' relatives, friends or workmates act quite often as ad-hoc interpreters when the provider and the patient can't communicate. Most of the times, these interpreters are untrained and are not familiar with the vocabulary, proceedings and vital factors of medical interpretation, which might be the cause of misunderstandings with possible fatal consequences on patients.

For all the different language-related situations the providers might encounter, Interpret Solutions offers its wide range of possibilities. There are compromising situations when an on-site interpreter is required. Thanks to our extended interpreter network, we will send one of our qualified interpreters in a short time. But an on-site interpreter means a high economic cost and it is not always necessary. For those situations, IS offers the On-Demand OPI service, a highly cost-effective solution that will connect you a interpreter in a few seconds. Just a call away, an interpreter who has been trained in medical interpretation and OPI protocols will help you communicate with your patient. Right there, right then.

• The Amsterdam Declaration

Towards Migrant-Friendly Hospitals in an ethno-culturally diverse Europe