Living in Culture

Below is a letter that was submitted to The New York Times Open Letter Contest. This was an assignment through my English class, and we were told to think of something that was important to us, something that we felt passionate about. I knew wanted to write about the lack of interpreters and translators in the medical setting. To me, regardless of cultural differences or differences in language, communication should never be put on the back burner. Living in Culture is dedicated to teaching many about different cultures and backgrounds around the world. However, we can be very educated about things around the world, but what we do with this information is how we can impact others. The lack of translators in hospitals is an issue that can be solved, and when it is, it will help so many. This is an important issue that should be brought to light, and I hope you enjoy reading!

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Dear American Hospital Association, 

Imagine sitting behind the bleak reception desk of a hospital when someone approaches you, their eyes filled with pain, stress, and despair. They express symptoms like chest pain, horrible fevers, and shortness of breath. However, they say it in Spanish – which you do not understand – because they are part of the 46 million in the U.S. who do not speak English as their first language (Bauer and Baum).

What do you do? No other patients in the lobby can help translate the conversation, and calling over an interpreter may not be an option because of the limited and sometimes nonexistent availability. Using an online translation program is unprofessional. Nevertheless, someone is standing before you, dealing with horrific pain, and no one can help them. 

Language barriers stand tall for a country known as the melting pot, limiting communication, especially in the hospital setting. Dr. Pauline Chen quotes Dr. Fernandez in The New York Times article “When the Patient Gets Lost in Translation,” saying that conversations between medical professionals and patients are not driven by the patient’s need to communicate but rather by the physician’s need for patient input. 

This leaves many feeling that their care is compromised because they are not receiving the same benefits as others, such as the ability to voice questions and concerns to their medical provider. The American Journal of Public Health’s “Overcoming Language Barriers in Health Care: Cost and Benefits of Interpreter Services” described a study by the Massachusetts Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) that exemplified the benefits of hospital translators. After non-English speaking patients used translating services, there was a significant increase in “receipt of preventative services, physician visits, and prescription drugs.” This suggests interpretive services increase the “patients’ access to primary and preventative care.” 

The need for interpreters is not a problem many know, but it is important nonetheless. Hospitals around the United States have the joint common mission of delivering the best care to all; however, the communication divide affects the treatment of some speakers. The ability to convey a message and receive quality care should be available to all, regardless of language. Translators are the next step towards open communication for everyone.  

A doctor should never have to tell their patient about a surgery through Google Translate. A daughter should not have to translate information about medicine for her mother. Language should never be the reason for compromised care. The solution starts with a “hello” – in another language.

Sincerely, 

Maya Saltzman