Kona Community Hospital (KCH) has launched a wireless video language interpretation service to accommodate patients who have language barriers or who may be deaf or hard-of-hearing.
“This system will greatly enhance the quality of care and improve the entire patient encounter. From diagnostics and treatment to discharge planning, we’re now able to offer a better communication tool,” said Marcy Rogers, RN, KCH Quality Director. “We’re excited to have this new language capability available to our patients.”
The hospital is partnering with the Language Access Network (LAN) to provide two-way video and audio wireless connection to a skilled medical interpreter known as MARTTI. MARTTI stands for My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter (trademark of Language Access Network, Inc.)
The device, which is HIPPA approved, provides 24 hour a day, 365 days per year access to interpreters for over 210 languages including American Sign Language (ASL). MARTTI allows hospital healthcare providers to use a portable, wireless video screen for on demand, face-to-face communication between the patient and trained LAN staff interpreters.
On Thursday, October 9th, KCH Emergency department personnel had their first opportunity to utilize the new interpreter to better communicate with a French-speaking patient. Within minutes, MARTTI was wheeled into the emergency department, and a French-speaking interpreter trained in medical terminology was translating for ED nurses and doctors.
“MARTTI is easy to use. It provides immediate, accurate communication between our providers and patients.” Joyce Fukumoto, Emergency Department Nurse Manger. “Clear communications reduce anxiety for patients. It also improves efficiency and patient satisfaction.”