Bridge being repaired with language symbols, representing healthcare communication.

Lost in Translation: Why Clear Communication is Vital for Better Healthcare

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Bridging the Language Gap: Understanding the Risks of Informal Interpreters and How Professional Services Can Help"

Imagine visiting a doctor who speaks a language you don't understand. Suddenly, simple things like explaining your symptoms or understanding treatment options become incredibly difficult. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a real barrier to receiving quality healthcare. Millions of people in the United States face this challenge every day, highlighting the critical need for effective communication in healthcare settings.

When patients and healthcare providers don't share a common language, the risk of misunderstandings increases dramatically. This can lead to misdiagnoses, incorrect treatments, and a general lack of trust between patient and provider. To bridge this gap, many healthcare facilities rely on interpretation services.

However, not all interpretation services are created equal. While professional interpreters are trained to accurately convey medical information and navigate cultural nuances, some facilities resort to using 'ad hoc' interpreters – untrained individuals like family members or bilingual staff pulled from other duties. But is this really an effective solution? A recent study sheds light on the perceptions of healthcare providers regarding interpretation services and the factors that influence their decision to use ad hoc interpreters.

The Hidden Dangers of 'Cutting Corners' in Healthcare Communication

Bridge being repaired with language symbols, representing healthcare communication.

The study, conducted across a large regional health system in South Carolina, surveyed 150 health service providers to understand their views on professional interpretation services and their likelihood of using ad hoc interpreters. The findings reveal some concerning trends.

While providers overwhelmingly acknowledged the importance of effective communication during clinical encounters, several factors were linked to their potential use of ad hoc interpreters. These included:

Difficulty in locating a qualified interpreter
Long wait times for qualified interpreters
Technical issues with phone and video interpretation technology

These challenges can lead to what the study calls 'cutting corners' – opting for readily available but untrained interpreters to expedite the process. While seemingly practical, this approach carries significant risks.

Empowering Better Healthcare Through Clear Communication

The study underscores the need for healthcare organizations to prioritize professional interpretation services and address the barriers that lead to the use of ad hoc interpreters. By increasing staff awareness of the risks associated with untrained interpreters and investing in accessible, reliable interpretation technologies, healthcare facilities can ensure that all patients receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their language proficiency. It's time to bridge the language gap and build a healthcare system that truly communicates with everyone.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

Why is clear communication so crucial in healthcare?

Clear communication is vital because it ensures that both patients and healthcare providers understand each other. Without a shared understanding, misdiagnoses, incorrect treatments, and a lack of trust can arise. When a patient struggles to explain symptoms or comprehend treatment options due to language barriers, the quality of care significantly diminishes. Effective communication, facilitated by professional interpretation services, is the cornerstone of delivering quality healthcare.

What are the main risks associated with using 'ad hoc' interpreters?

Using 'ad hoc' interpreters, such as family members or untrained bilingual staff, carries significant risks. These individuals may not have the necessary training to accurately convey complex medical information or navigate cultural nuances. This can lead to misunderstandings, potentially causing misdiagnoses, incorrect treatments, and ultimately compromising patient safety. Unlike professional interpreters, 'ad hoc' interpreters lack the skills to ensure effective and accurate communication during clinical encounters.

What is the difference between professional interpreters and 'ad hoc' interpreters in healthcare?

Professional interpreters are specifically trained to accurately convey medical information, understand medical terminology, and navigate cultural nuances. They provide a reliable means of communication between healthcare providers and patients who do not share a common language. In contrast, 'ad hoc' interpreters, often family members or bilingual staff without formal training, may lack the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure accurate and effective communication. This difference underscores the importance of choosing professional services to guarantee patient safety and quality of care.

What challenges do healthcare providers face when trying to access professional interpretation services?

The study revealed several challenges that healthcare providers face when trying to access professional interpretation services. These include difficulty in locating a qualified interpreter, long wait times for available interpreters, and technical issues with phone and video interpretation technology. These challenges can lead healthcare providers to 'cut corners' by using 'ad hoc' interpreters, despite the associated risks. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving access to quality care for all patients.

How can healthcare organizations improve communication with patients who have limited English proficiency?

Healthcare organizations can improve communication by prioritizing professional interpretation services and addressing the barriers that lead to using 'ad hoc' interpreters. This involves increasing staff awareness of the risks associated with untrained interpreters and investing in accessible and reliable interpretation technologies. By taking these steps, healthcare facilities can ensure that all patients receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their language proficiency, and build a more inclusive healthcare system.