Motivated by the pressing need for a secure and reliable translation tool, Oslo University Hospital turned to Care to Translate for a pioneering research study to assess the efficacy of a medical translation app within the complex landscape of heart surgery patient care.
Oslo University Hospital (OUS) is a highly specialized hospital in charge of extensive regional and local hospital assignments and the provision of high quality services for the citizens of Oslo.
The hospital is Scandinavia’s largest and each year they carry out more than 1.2 million patient treatments. It is also responsible for around 50% of all medical and healthcare research conducted at Norwegian hospitals and is a significant role player within the education of a large variety of healthcare personnel. OUS also has a nationwide responsibility for a number of national and multi-regional assignments and has several national centres of competence.
In the heart of Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Irene Lie, a seasoned critical care nurse and senior researcher at OUS and professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), stands at the forefront of a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing patient communication and safety. With decades of experience in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lie understands the profound implications of language barriers in critical care settings.
"Language barriers are not just obstacles; they're potential hazards. Miscommunication can lead to compromised patient safety and reduced satisfaction."
Motivated by the pressing need for a secure and reliable translation tool, Oslo University Hospital turned to Care to Translate in 2022. Lie spearheaded a pioneering research study to assess the efficacy of the medical translation app within the complex landscape of heart surgery patient care pathways.
"We recognized the urgency for a tool like Care to Translate," Lie explains. "We had been relying on ad-hoc translations, which were not only unreliable but also potentially disrespectful to patients. We needed a solution that ensured accuracy and confidentiality."
The research study, led by Lie, sought to customize Care to Translate to suit the specific needs of health care professionals and heart surgery patients. Collaborating closely with clinical colleagues across various departments, they curated playlists featuring relevant phrases, including essential assessments and procedural checklists.
Learn more about Irene's team's implementation process in our recorded webinar.
"Customization was key," Lie emphasizes. "We wanted the app to seamlessly integrate into our daily workflows, enhancing rather than disrupting patient care."
The integration of Care to Translate was facilitated by designated contact persons in each unit, ensuring seamless implementation and ongoing support. Lie stresses the importance of collaboration and ongoing feedback to optimize the tool's utility in clinical practice.
"Communication is the cornerstone of patient care," Lie asserts. "By breaking down language barriers, Care to Translate empowers healthcare professionals to deliver safer, more effective care to patients, regardless of linguistic differences."
The benefits of the medical translation app quickly became evident. Healthcare professionals reported increased trust-building with patients and improved symptom mapping, especially when assessing pain levels. Lie shares a success story that shows the impact of Care to Translate.
"One nurse noted that 'Without the tool, I would not have been able to communicate with the patient at all'. It's moments like these that highlight the importance of effective communication in critical care," Lie recounts. "In another instance, a patient experiencing arrhythmia found consolation and understanding through the app. The nurse was able to reassure the patient and ensure they felt safe in the midst of uncertainty."
As the results of the pilot study await publication, international interest in the initiative continues to grow. The success of Care to Translate at the department of cardiothoracic surgery shows the potential of innovative solutions in overcoming language barriers and enhancing patient-centered care. Through dedication and collaboration, Irene Lie and her colleagues pave the way for a future where language is no longer a barrier to quality health care.
Get in touch to explore how you can trial our medical translator in your department. Request a demo here.
Want to learn more about how Care to Translate is being implemented across Norway? Request the Norwegian procurement and implementation report here.
You can also read more about the study in this article from Sykepleien.
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