Communication BarriersTranslation Applications

Sandy Erickson, IHSCS

Language Barriers

85 Employees Speak 7 Languages

EnglishSpanishVietnameseThaiSomaliArabic Laocean

Adaptive Design A3 “Bath Blankets”

Background◦Ideally, there would not be a delay in the filling

of bath blankets but today there was.5 Whys: Excerpt from A31. Person at the end-of-the line was taking the

time to refold 2. Because she wasn’t communicating with

anybody there was a problem3. Because she had difficulties “communicating”

due to language barriers...

Visual of Work Area at MHTS Conveyor

What we did? Purchased an iPad and use iTune “free translation app”

App Store – Free Translator itunes.apple.com/us/app/...translate/id414706506?m...

Best Language and Translation Apps for the iPad www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=1511

Top 10 language translation apps for iPad and iPhone | Inman News

www.inman.com/.../top-10-language-translation-apps-ipad-and-ipho...

Translation Apps - Download Apps for Translation - BlackBerry App ...appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/category/54/?lang=en

10 Free BlackBerry Apps You Must Have | PCWorld

www.pcworld.com/.../10_free_blackberry_apps_you_must_have.ht... If you've ever found yourself in need of a quick translation and you own a BlackBerry smartphone, Navita Translator is for you. The app's basic interface makes it ...

What have we learned?

◦Employees love it! ◦Useful but time consuming ◦Training is essential◦Test multiple apps “Free and purchased”Features to look for...◦Save common phrases “to be used later”◦Some connectivity issues “built in wireless”◦Verbal and Written

Experienced variances in translation TEST!◦Reverse translation

Do we have all the answers? NO!Possibilities are endless!

Similar applications are available: AndroidBlackberry iphone Many others...not just iPad

Think about patient communication at the bedside! What about the Admission Process?

Can we explore a system mobile solution?Is there a Best Practice?

Thank you for attending?

Questions and Answers