Communication Barriers Translation Applications Sandy Erickson, IHSCS

Language Barriers 85 EmployeesSpeak 7 Languages English Spanish Vietnamese Thai Somali Arabic Laocean

Adaptive Design A3 “Bath Blankets” Background ◦Ideally, there would not be a delay in the filling of bath blankets but today there was. 5 Whys: Excerpt from A3 1.Person at the end-of-the line was taking the time to refold 2.Because she wasn’t communicating with anybody there was a problem 3.Because she had difficulties “communicating” due to language barriers...

Visual of Work Area at MHTS Conveyor

What we did? Purchased an iPad and use iTune “free translation app”

What have we learned? ◦Employees love it! ◦Useful but time consuming ◦Training is essential ◦Test multiple apps “Free and purchased” Features to look for... ◦Save common phrases “to be used later” ◦Some connectivity issues “built in wireless” ◦Verbal and Written  Experienced variances in translation TEST! ◦Reverse translation

Do we have all the answers? NO! Possibilities are endless! Similar applications are available: Android Blackberry iphone Many others...not just iPad Think about patient communication at the bedside! What about the Admission Process? Can we explore a system mobile solution? Is there a Best Practice?

Thank you for attending?  Questions and Answers