You’ve likely heard that the world is shrinking. However true that was when someone first thought it up 50 years ago, it’s even truer today, especially in the world of medical care. Due to a growing worldwide middle class and the availability of inexpensive travel options, people all over the world are seeking medical care in other countries more than ever. Along with increased opportunities for care, this internationalization of healthcare also requires medical interpretation to work effectively. Here are some things you should be aware of when it comes to global interpreting services.
The Challenges of Medical Tourism
As medical tourism becomes more popular, there are several challenges that need to be overcome, not least of which is the language barrier. As with seeking medical care in their home countries, patients need to be able to understand their treatment options and be able to speak frankly with their physician so they can answer any questions the patient may have. This means medical interpreting is required so medical professionals can give their patients the attention they require. Regardless of the patient’s native language, physicians need to be able to review their medical histories, as well as the information to be gleaned from new medicines and clinical trials. Also, patients will have to fill out all the relevant documents for any treatment. Having a skilled interpreter on hand will make it possible for the patient to understand precisely what is asked of them and what they can expect.
Sometimes, it’s not just a matter of communication between patient and physician. There are local laws that need to be observed as well. The European Union, for instance, has several laws governing the use of medicines and medical devices. There are also laws requiring that all this information be translated into the official language of the relevant country, so any procedure taking place within the EU can only proceed if there’s an interpreter available to communicate the laws and the procedures to the patient. In fact, no medicine or medical devices can legally be sold without it.
Benefits of Skilled and Professional Medical Interpreting
Medical interpretation is far more complicated than conversational interpretation. Even minor errors in how a word or procedure is translated and then interpreted can have life-threatening consequences, so it’s imperative that those in the medical industry rely only on the finest professional medical interpreters. Only experts trained in the specifics of medical language are acceptable for pharmaceutical companies and health practitioners if they want to guarantee their patients’ safety, and protect their own liability. Also, since the typical layman is unfamiliar with medical terms within their native language, they’re particularly vulnerable to misunderstandings that may occur with sophisticated medical terminology coming from a different language. By hiring skilled experts in medical interpretation, healthcare organizations are taking the necessary steps to properly inform patients while providing them with much-needed peace of mind.
As medical tourism gains in popularity—and more people are seeking medical care abroad—there’s no escaping hiring global interpreting services. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact Tembua, Inc.