Ms Karen Hodgson1
1Translationz, Melbourne, Australia
Biography:
Karen Hodgson is the CEO at Translationz, specialising in language access solutions for healthcare. With extensive experience in translation and interpreting services and healthcare communication, Karen has worked with hospitals to improve patient outcomes through innovative language solutions. Passionate about health equity, Karen advocates for the integration of translation technology to bridge language barriers in medical settings. Through this work, Karen has contributed to research demonstrating the impact of translated medical documents on patient safety, hospital efficiency and cost reduction.
Abstract:
Purpose:
Patients with limited English proficiency face significant challenges in understanding medical instructions, particularly at hospital discharge. This presentation will highlight how rapid translation of discharge documents improves patient outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions.
Scope:
While hospitals provide interpreter services during a patient’s stay, discharge documents are typically only available in English. The language service provider, Translationz has developed a system that enables the rapid translation of these critical documents before a patient leaves the hospital. This ensures patients receive essential information—such as medication instructions, follow-up care, and lifestyle recommendations—in their preferred language.
Issue Under Consideration:
Language barriers in healthcare can lead to confusion, medication mismanagement, and avoidable readmissions. Our system, which can translate key documents within hours, addresses this gap, ensuring continuity of care and enhancing patient comprehension. Untranslated discharge documents make it harder for patients to follow instructions and manage health post discharge.
Outcome and Conclusion:
Data collected from hospitals utilising this translation system indicate a reduction in readmission rates among patients receiving discharge instructions in their native language. Additionally, this approach results in cost savings for healthcare providers by decreasing preventable complications and improving operational efficiency. This presentation will provide statistical evidence demonstrating enhanced patient adherence, reduced readmission, and higher patient satisfaction.
Providing discharge information in a patient’s preferred language fosters equitable care delivery, improves health outcomes, and reduces healthcare costs. This approach aligns with patient-centric care principles and supports shared decision-making in healthcare.