With translation service, Montreal clinic breaks down language barriers

As part of the CBC News series Welcome to Canada, Maya Cholette-Tétrault, a family physician in Parc-Extension, welcomes a new patient from India into her clinic to discuss her pregnancy. The patient, accompanied by an interpreter via video link, struggles to communicate in English or French, highlighting the diverse population that the clinic serves.

For the past two years, the clinic has been utilizing an online translation service to assist patients in better communicating with the staff. Cholette-Tétrault uses this service for about one out of every four patients, recognizing the importance of effective communication in providing comprehensive care. Some patients, who have recently arrived in Montreal, rely on this service not only for medical purposes but also for essential tasks like finding housing.

The online translation service, provided by Voyce, offers interpreters who speak 240 languages and dialects, making it easier for healthcare workers to communicate with patients from various backgrounds. Aurelia Di Fabrizio, overseeing the program at CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, emphasizes the importance of ensuring patients can communicate with their healthcare providers, especially in a province like Quebec where language politics can be complex.

Research supports the benefits of providing care in a patient’s first language, with studies showing improved health outcomes when patients can communicate effectively with their physicians. A recent survey commissioned by CBC revealed that new immigrants, particularly in Quebec, have faced challenges in accessing healthcare services, underscoring the importance of initiatives like the online translation service.

The implementation of the online translation service has been successful at the Parc-Ex clinic, replacing the need for in-person translators that were costly and less efficient. Perle Feldman, a physician at the clinic, recalls the challenges of relying on in-person translation in the past and highlights the potential for further expansion of the online service to better serve the vulnerable population in the community.

In conclusion, the use of online translation services in healthcare settings has proven to be a valuable resource in bridging language barriers and improving patient care. By prioritizing effective communication, healthcare providers can ensure that all patients, regardless of their linguistic background, receive the quality care they deserve.