The need for clear, instant communication across languages is exploding in healthcare, education, courtrooms, and more. Compliance with relevant regulations is a key driver of this demand, but it’s not the only driver. Language access is essential to share knowledge and provide equitable services for patients, students, social services clients, and employees on global teams.
Technology is transforming the daunting task of bridging language gaps into a smooth, almost magical process. Imagine getting an interpreter on your screen in seconds or being able to request professional, quality translations with the click of a button. This is where we’re heading thanks to innovations like video interpreting, more intelligent and efficient call center flows, and smart, user-friendly translation management platforms.
Let’s explore the latest in cutting-edge language access technology and how it’s making it easier than ever to build connections across language barriers.
Embracing Technology in Language Access
When it comes to language access, technology is a game-changer in providing translation and interpretation services. With every innovation, we’re making strides toward a world where language barriers no longer stand in the way of comprehension and connection. Let’s break down the tools that are making this possible.
Computers/Web Meeting Platforms: The New Frontiers of Interpretation
Video Remote Interpreting (VRI): Propio ONE makes video remote interpreting (VRI) easily accessible, bringing a professional interpreter into conversations through its dedicated platform or familiar apps like Zoom or Teams. This enables all parties to benefit from visual cues, such as nonverbal communication and body language, enhancing understanding and connection.
VRI has become an integral part of healthcare, where visual interaction is critical for patient care. While the concept of telehealth dates back to the 1960s, its use surged significantly in 2015 and saw another dramatic increase during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. This shift not only accelerated the demand for telehealth services but also cemented the role of VRI as a practical and comfortable solution for virtual appointments.
Propio’s VRI services have helped organizations connect with diverse communities in moments when in-person interpretation wasn’t possible, ensuring access to critical services without delay.
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI):
Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) provided by Propio connects individuals in real time using video interpreting, making it a valuable tool for situations such as consultations and events. Interpreters translate the conversation as it happens, ensuring all participants can follow along in their preferred language.
Propio’s technology also includes integrations that simplify interpreter access for clients. For example, Propio’s Epic® Integration allows healthcare providers to connect with qualified interpreters directly within the patient’s electronic medical record. This streamlined process ensures efficient and timely language support, helping to improve communication and care delivery.
Language Access Lines and Phone Systems: Tailoring Calls to Every Caller
While VRI and RSI are good options when virtual face-to-face communication is essential, over-the-phone interpretation and call centers are here to stay and technology is making them better.
Smart analytics: With AI-powered smart analytics, it’s possible to analyze call data to uncover common issues and questions across different groups of callers so that recurring issues can be addressed proactively.
Skills-based routing: This feature makes sure callers get connected with an interpreter who has the right skills to help with their query (such as a specialization in medical or legal terminology), without the disruption of a transfer. Thanks to our state-of-the-art call center technology, we’re able to offer both skills-based routing and smart analytics.
Mobile Apps & Machine Translation (MT): A Mixed Bag of Tricks:
Machine Translation (MT) offers a fast way to translate documents at scale, but its accuracy can vary significantly depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the content. Propio provides MT solutions that are integrated into a professional workflow, ensuring a higher level of quality and reliability. These workflows include light or full post-editing by skilled linguists to refine translations and address cultural and contextual nuances.
For sensitive or high-stakes materials, Propio’s approach incorporates quality control measures to reduce risks such as translation errors or security vulnerabilities, ensuring that businesses can rely on accurate, secure translations tailored to their needs. MT, when combined with expert oversight, can be a valuable tool for managing large volumes of content efficiently and effectively.
Language Technology Usage at Propio?
Propio integrates advanced technology into its services to simplify access to interpretation and translation solutions, ensuring faster connections, greater accuracy, and streamlined workflows. By combining these tools with expert oversight, Propio delivers language solutions that are both efficient and dependable, supporting diverse communication needs across industries.
