Communication BarriersTranslation Applications

Sandy Erickson, IHSCS

Language Barriers

85 Employees Speak 7 Languages

EnglishSpanishVietnameseThaiSomaliArabic Laocean

Adaptive Design A3 “Bath Blankets”

Background◦Ideally, there would not be a delay in the filling

of bath blankets but today there was.5 Whys: Excerpt from A3

1. Person at the end-of-the line was taking the time to refold

2. Because she wasn’t communicating with anybody there was a problem

3. Because she had difficulties “communicating” due to language barriers...

Visual of Work Area at MHTS Conveyor

What we did? Purchased an iPad and use iTune “free translation app”

App Store – Free Translator itunes.apple.com/us/app/...translate/id414706506?m...

Best Language and Translation Apps for the iPad

www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=1511

Top 10 language translation apps for iPad and iPhone | Inman News www.inman.com/.../top-10-language-translation-apps-ipad-and-ipho...

Translation Apps - Download Apps for Translation - BlackBerry App ...appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/category/54/?lang=en

10 Free BlackBerry Apps You Must Have | PCWorld

www.pcworld.com/.../10_free_blackberry_apps_you_must_have.ht... If you've ever found yourself in need of a quick translation and you own a BlackBerry smartphone, Navita Translator is for you. The app's basic interface makes it ...

What have we learned?

◦Employees love it! ◦Useful but time consuming ◦Training is essential◦Test multiple apps “Free and purchased”

Features to look for...◦Save common phrases “to be used later”◦Some connectivity issues “built in wireless”◦Verbal and Written

Experienced variances in translation TEST!◦Reverse translation

Do we have all the answers? NO!Possibilities are endless!

Similar applications are available: AndroidBlackberry iphone Many others...not just iPad

Think about patient communication at the bedside! What about the Admission Process?

Can we explore a system mobile solution?Is there a Best Practice?

Thank you for attending?

Questions and Answers