Utilizing Technology to Expand Language Access
The following is a guest article by Nic McMahon, CEO at United Language Group
Communication and connection are crucial in healthcare settings. To better connect with their community and ensure equitable access, healthcare organizations are shifting to a more human-focused, patient-centered care approach. Without a strong focus on language access, some groups of vulnerable patients may fall through the cracks.
As of 2019, almost 68 million people in the United States spoke a language other than English at home. A significant percentage of these people have limited English proficiency (LEP).
Research shows that patients have poorer health outcomes when they don’t speak the same language as their providers, fueling disparities in healthcare access. This can go beyond language and include people with different abilities—your plan must cover all experiences, including providing access to patients who are hearing or visually impaired. Language access plans (LAP) provide organizations with a roadmap to ensure access and connection that alleviate these disparities and improve patient experience.
Healthcare organizations can improve efficiencies and optimize the patient experience by incorporating the latest tools and technologies into their LAPs. Continue reading to learn which language solution technologies can be integrated to efficiently provide meaningful access to all patients, no matter their culture or language needs.
The Goal: a Seamless Patient Experience
The fo...
Source: EMR and HIPAA - Category: Information Technology Authors: Guest Author Tags: Administration AI/Machine Learning Ambulatory Clinical Communication and Patient Experience Health IT Company Healthcare IT Hospital - Health System LTPAC Accessible Communication Blind Patients Deaf Patients Hard of Hearing Patien Source Type: blogs
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