Problems with remote care

The use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) for deaf individuals needing hospital care deserves more perspective. American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language with body language accounting for up to 90 percent of communication. Therefore, VRI presents many challenges that must be considered before it is applauded as a default solution. It is imperative service providers appreciate and honor a patient’s communication needs. The crux of effective medical care starts with understanding each other.

Some VRI barriers to successful provider-patient interaction include slow internet connections, resulting in pixilation and blurred images; lack of full-body visibility; hospital staff lacking technical video knowledge; and additional deaf users not visible to the video interpreter.

While waiting for test results, VRI services are disconnected. When reconnecting, a different interpreter is used, creating a potential absence of cohesive medical care. Most concerning, lack of VRI regulations result in use of interpreters with medical certification rather that interpreters fluent in ASL.

Again, effective medical care starts with understanding each other.

While medical providers focus on reduced costs, reduced access is occurring for deaf patients. Deaf individuals should be consulted on the mode of communication allowing them full participation in decisions made about their medical care.

Eloisa Williams

Washington State Registry of Interpreters

for the Deaf Spokane Valley