Tools webinar presented by Cloudbreak’s Daniel Sanchez on how interpreters can promote health equity when working remotely.
Culturally and linguistically appropriate services are critical to health equity. Interpreters see this need every day. As if disparities in healthcare didn’t already exist, the rapid expansion of telemedicine perpetuated by a global pandemic left vulnerable populations at increased risk—especially those who are limited-English proficient and/or Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.
Healthcare interpreters have been directly impacted by the virtual care boom. Many popular telehealth platforms were not designed or developed with language services in mind. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at health systems across the country coupled with compliance and regulatory requirements meant integrating interpreters into these platforms overnight. It was a rough transition.
While telehealth offers greater access to care, this paradigm shift came with deep cultural and social consequences. It fundamentally reshapes the roles and relationships between providers and patients. A large percentage of providers are delivering care virtually for the first time. Many patients are new users as well. How to access interpreters varies widely from platform to platform. A lack of training and for all parties – including interpreters– compounds the challenges. This webinar will help prepare remote interpreters to work in the ever-evolving field of telemedicine.
