By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) – The Queen’s Medical Center (Queen’s) has upgraded its language access tools to improve communication with patients who may not speak English as their primary language.
Beginning May 1, Queen’s staff will utilize a new, upgraded iPad Martti, as well as language services telephones, that will make it easier for health care professionals to move throughout the hospital and still be able to communicate with patients who may not be fluent in English.
Martti stands for My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter. The iPad is a mobile, video conferencing unit designed to provide quick access to language interpretation for patients. Connectivity has been improved from previous units. Upgraded language service tools also include new corded and cordless telephones.
“It is more important now than ever to communicate clearly with our patients,” said Jason Chang, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems. “For many of our patients, English is not their primary language. In the spirit of our Patients First initiative, we are upgrading our language access tools to promote both provider and patient safety through upgraded video and audio language interpreting.”
A successful pilot was launched in February at The Queen’s Medical Center on Punchbowl Street at The Queen Emma Clinic, Emergency Department, Pauahi 4 and Admitting/Registration. The pilot was also tested at The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu at the Emergency Department and Ambulatory Surgery.