Mahaska Health Partnership Invests in Translation Equipment

Mahaska Health Partnership

OSKALOOSA – Mahaska Health Partnership has purchased translation equipment designed to help eliminate communication barriers in healthcare.

“In healthcare, it is essential that we maintain clear communication with our patients,” explained Utilization Review Nurse Laura Doscher. “This includes patient education, medication instruction and ensuring they understand their diagnosis.”

According to Speech Gear, the company that manufactures the translation equipment, the programs can instantly translate conversations and documents, as well as provide closed captioning for the hearing impaired.

“Our goal is always to accommodate the needs of our patients,” Doscher shared. “With this new technology we will be able to ensure that the patient understands the medical processes being performed and we won’t have to rely on family members to translate.”

The system can translate 35 different languages including Spanish and Dutch, which Doscher said can be spoken into the program. “If a nurse needs something explained in Spanish, all she has to do is speak into the microphone and audio is generated for the patient in Spanish. The patient can respond into the microphone and the audio is repeated back to the nurse in English.”

Doscher explained that whether the communication is verbal, typed or written, the new technology can format and deliver the information without delay. Pictures, forms and videos can also be displayed for individuals.

“We want our patients to be a partner in their care,” Doscher commented. “Being able to directly communicate with no delay ensures that the exact message we want to relay is being conveyed.”

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641-672-3240 or visit www.mahaskahealth.org.