Video Remote Interpreting Translates to Lower Costs and Improved Efficiency

By Lisa D. Ellis

The latest technological approaches are helping healthcare facilities do their job better—and more efficiently—than ever before, right down to the very last detail.

In fact, that’s where Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) comes in, offering on-demand video interpretation services to facilitate accurate communication for patients who are hearing impaired or have language barriers. The benefits include significant cost savings and quicker access to appropriate treatment round-the-clock as needed. This method also facilitates more accurate communication than phone interpretations, because it allows the interpreter to see facial expressions, gestures, and body language.

Integrating VRI software in Urban and Rural Settings

Many of the larger urban hospitals have long been taking advantage of these benefits by integrating VRI software smoothly into their operations. Now, some of the smaller, community-based hospital facilities and networks are also following suit, utilizing this strategic approach to better serve different populations while meeting the myriad of federal and healthcare licensure requirements to offer equal access to care to non-English speakers and those who are deaf or have other hearing problems.

One of the more recent adapters of this form of communication is Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, PA, which is part of the Allegheny Health Network (AHN). This regional facility, located less than 15 miles from Pittsburgh, has 349-beds and supports 15,000 inpatient admissions and close to 50,000 emergency department visits each year and also runs a level II trauma center.

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