6 Hidden Risks of Informal Translation in Post-Acute Care

Transitioning from a hospital to a post-acute care facility is a fragile period for any patient. They are dealing with new recovery objectives, medication regimens, and a whole new set of caregivers. Now, consider this: they also have to deal with a language barrier. In the midst of a hectic day, it is tempting to ask a bilingual employee or a relative of the patient to simply translate the discharge instructions. It seems like such an easy solution, doesn’t it?

The truth is, this kind of ad-hoc method is actually one of the quietest risks in the current state of healthcare. Leaning on untrained personnel, who may or may not understand the difference between acute and chronic in two languages, is a recipe for disaster that can result in a patient’s progress being derailed by mistakes. It is no wonder that more and more facilities are abandoning the whoever is available approach in favor of technology that actually works. With an audio translator, a doctor can be sure that the meaning is conveyed correctly, a precision that a well-meaning but untrained person simply cannot provide.

Here are the 6 hidden risks of information translation in post-acute care that can be overcome using a cutting-edge audio translator.

1. The High Cost of Linguistic Guesswork

Medical terminology is a language in itself. When an informal translator is attempting to describe a pulmonary embolism or subcutaneous injection, they will usually paraphrase. The issue is that in the medical field, a paraphrase is considered an error.

If the patient does not understand how to take care of their post-surgical site just right because the translation was close enough, they are at a much higher risk for infection. This is eliminated when using professional digital tools to ensure that the exact instructions are given just as the physician meant.

2. Missing the Nuance in Medication Reconciliation

The post-acute care setting is focused on medication reconciliation. One misinterpreted word about a blood thinner or insulin dose can result in a potentially life-threatening situation.

Informal translators may have difficulty with particular units of measurement or timing instructions (e.g., with meals vs. before meals). Computer-based translation programs are intended to deal with such nuances with a great deal of accuracy, thus minimizing the broken telephone effect that frequently occurs during shift changes.

3. The Breach of Professional Boundaries

It’s not just about what is being communicated; it’s also about the context in which it is being communicated. When a patient has to depend on a relative for the translation of information regarding catheter maintenance or cognitive impairment, the patient-provider relationship is affected.

Patients feel the need to filter their symptoms so that they do not worry their children or embarrass themselves. An objective and precise audio translator fills this void by providing a professional distance. It enables the patient to communicate with the provider without the emotional overlay of a family member.

4. Legal Exposure and Regulatory Compliance

From a management standpoint, the problem with informal translation is that it is a lawsuit waiting to happen. Under Section 1557 of the ACA, healthcare providers are obligated to take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access to patients with limited English proficiency.

If there is an adverse event and the only translation available is that the patient’s son translated the instructions, then the facility has very little recourse. Professional software offers a standard of care that is documented and consistent, which is important for remaining in compliance with federal civil rights laws.

5. Compromising the Transition to Home Health

The aim of post-acute care is a successful return home. Nevertheless, research has confirmed that patients with language barriers have a significantly higher 30-day readmission rate.

If the translation is informal, the patient will leave the facility with a blurry understanding of their recovery goals. They will not know which symptoms need a call to the doctor and which are normal. Reliable translation throughout the PAC stay will increase the patient’s confidence, ensuring that they are indeed ready for the final transition back to their normal life.

6. The Psychological Burden of Interpreter Fatigue

We tend to forget about the stress that is put on bilingual employees when they are taken away from their main task to translate. A physical therapist should be working on a patient’s mobility, not trying to translate a complicated insurance form.

This conflict of roles results in burnout and the possibility of errors. By using a translation tool, facilities give their professionals a chance to concentrate on what they actually know. It makes the process easier and ensures that the person doing the talking is not burdened with the responsibility of doing two different things.

Conclusion

Communication is the most basic tool in a clinician’s toolbox. Although the easy fix of an informal translator may save five minutes in the short term, the cost of patient safety and readmission rates is simply too high. It’s not just a tech upgrade to move toward standardized, accurate translation technology; it’s a commitment to better care.

Are you still using the nearest bilingual person for your patient’s most critical instructions, or are you ready to standardize your communication?