We know providing an interpreter for medical situations can be uncomfortable and awkward before you become accustomed to it, however no place is it more critical to have accurate communication than in a medical office. Just as the risk of misinterpretation from foreign spoken languages to English is undeniable, English to Sign Language miscommunication can happen with ease and bring with it dire consequences. Simple misunderstandings can be critical health risks. For example, if a physician would hand a script to a patient and hold up a "3" handshape while miming a pill being placed into the mouth, that physician would have just told the Deaf patient to take the pill 6 TIMES A DAY! This example exemplifies the reason medical practitioners need a qualified Sign Language Interpreter for all medical appointments. The simple provision of an interpreter will protect the health of the patient, and greatly decrease the risk of litigation. The law does require the provision of a qualified Interpreter if one is requested. In addition, the patient has a more positive experience in medical settings.
View a DVD prepping the medical field for the use of foreign language & Sign Language Interpreters: CLICK HERE
