In today’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that patients can access information in their native language is critical to delivering quality care. In a recent video, “Health Care Language Access – Voiceover Essentials,” Jim Giebutowski, Partner, Business Development at Marketing Messages, dives into how healthcare providers can improve patient care by speaking to callers in their native language.
The Importance of Multilingual Communication in Healthcare
As Jim highlights, many patients across the U.S., particularly in states like Massachusetts, struggle with limited English proficiency. Around 1 in 10 residents face language barriers that impact their ability to understand critical healthcare information. This challenge is particularly pressing in underserved communities, where patients often feel more comfortable communicating over the phone. Unfortunately, hospitals and medical centers frequently struggle to provide seamless communication in these instances.
The solution? Multilingual voiceover services. By integrating native-language communication into phone systems, healthcare providers can break down barriers and create more inclusive patient experiences.
Key Areas Where Multilingual Communication Makes a Difference
Jim emphasizes three key areas where speaking to patients in their native language can significantly improve their healthcare experience:
- Hospital Visitation Instructions: Patients need to know essential details like how to find the facility, preparation requirements, and any paperwork they must bring. For patients who speak English as a second language, this information can be overwhelming. Delivering these instructions in their native language not only clarifies the process but helps patients feel more confident about their care.
- Emergency and Crisis Services: During moments of crisis—whether it’s an emergency medical situation, a domestic violence incident, or sexual assault—the ability to communicate quickly and clearly is paramount. Having a familiar voice speak to these patients in their native language can make a world of difference in ensuring they receive the right information and care promptly.
- Health Insurance and Billing Questions: For many underserved communities, understanding health insurance is a major stressor. Multilingual communication is essential for explaining copayment deadlines, payment options, and account balances through phone systems. When patients clearly understand this information, they’re empowered to make better healthcare decisions without added stress.
How Professional Voice Recordings Can Improve Patient Care
Jim outlines two options for delivering patient care information via prerecorded phone system messages:
- Auto Attendant Prompts: This allows patients to press a number to hear specific information, like location details or office hours.
- On-Hold Messaging: While waiting on hold, patients can hear critical healthcare instructions in their native language.
Beyond these, other formats like videos or podcasts can also be used to support health care language access.
Why Choose Professional Voiceover Services?
Marketing Messages offers native-language call center voice recordings in 88 languages and dialects, providing healthcare providers with the tools they need to break down communication barriers. They also offer certified translation services, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in every message. With experience working with over 450 healthcare companies, they are uniquely positioned to help healthcare providers enhance their patient experience through multilingual voice solutions.
As Jim concludes in the video, the benefits of speaking to patients in their native language go beyond simple communication—they enhance trust, improve health outcomes, and foster a more inclusive healthcare environment.
Whether you’re ready to start a voice project or just exploring options, Jim invites healthcare providers to reach out and discuss how native-language voice recordings can transform patient care.
You’re also welcome to download sample voice prompt scripts for health care.
For more insights on language access in healthcare, watch the full video here.