THE ROLE OF TRANSLATION IN HEALTHCARE: BRIDGING LANGUAGE GAPS IN PATIENT CARE
Keywords:
Medical translation, healthcare communication, linguistic barriers, patient safety, interpreter services, multilingual healthcare, cultural competence.Abstract
Effective communication is essential in healthcare, where misunderstandings can lead to misdiagnoses, improper treatments, and even life-threatening situations. Language barriers pose significant challenges in medical settings, particularly for patients with limited proficiency in the dominant language of their country. Medical translation, both human and machine-assisted, plays a crucial role in bridging these language gaps, ensuring accurate communication between healthcare providers and patients. This paper examines the importance of translation in healthcare, explores its challenges, and discusses potential solutions, including the integration of professional medical interpreters, technological advancements, and policy improvements.
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