Instructions for Use Authors: Ellen Barnes RN and Natalie Bermudez RN

When to Use

• For immediate interpretation needs: – Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) – Over the Phone Interpreting (OPI)

• The Stratus VRI and OPI services can be used for interpretation of foreign languages and American Sign Language for the hearing impaired

• FYI – The VRI is an iPad attached to a rolling stand

Over the Phone Interpreting (OPI)

• Stratus Audio is accessible via phone

– Stratus Audio can be reached by any telephone; dual handset, speakerphone, or cell phone. • To access the phone interpreters please call 888-467-5215 from

any phone in the hospital.

• You can also use the two-way (dual) receiver handset located on your unit/department to communicate between staff/doctor and the patient.

• When asked, provide the representative Bethesda Hospital’s ID number (10246),the language requested, the name of the facility, the patient’s name and the department you are calling from.

• OPI Additional:

• Call patients at home with the aid of Stratus Audio Interpreters

• You can dial Stratus Audio from any phone, and ask interpreters to dial a patient’s home number for you. Stratus interpreters will interpret the entire call, making scheduling and follow-up much easier for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients.

• LEP patients can also call you

• Stratus can provide a dedicated phone number to Bethesda that routes to Stratus Audio interpreters first. The LEP patient calling in will first connect with an interpreter in their language, and then the Stratus Audio interpreter will connect with our facility.

The Keys to VRI Success • Ask yourself, “do I need an

interpreter to communicate with this patient?”

• Identify the patients preferred language

• Place yourself next to the device so the patient can see you and the interpreter at the same time

• Speak to the patient in first person

• See our interpreters as an extension of your staff (they are humans, too)

• Have fun!

Storage Locations

Bethesda Hospital East:

• 2 Stratus VRI devices are available at the East

– Both are located in the Care Coordination Hub in the lower level (ext. 83000)

Bethesda Hospital West:

• 1 Stratus VRI device is available at the West

– It is located in the Nursing Supervisor’s Office on the first floor (ext. 70040) or contact your department manager

Important Information

• If you are unable to leave your department during regular business hours at Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, “Patient and Guest Services” may be contacted at extension 84402 to assist with bringing the equipment to the designated location

• If the VRI iPad screen is too small for the patient, the VRI software is available on a Computer-On-Wheels device located in the same storage areas as the Stratus VRI iPads at both East and West.

– Detailed instructions for using the Computer-On-Wheels can be found in Operations Regulations Policy No. 1118.

Important Information

• In those circumstances where VRI or OPI does not accommodate patient needs, contact the Patient Experience Officer or Risk Manager to assist with providing an alternative communication mode. Regular business hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm. After regular business hours or weekends/holidays, contact the Nursing Supervisor or Administrator-on-Call (AOC).

Picking Up & Returning

• The Stratus VRI must be signed out when picking it up and signed in when returning it

• A “Sign-Out/Sign-In” binder will be kept in the storage locations at East and West

Cleaning the VRI

• Before returning the device to its location, it must be wiped down with non-alcohol germicidal disposable wipes (Sani-Cloths with the gray top only) before returning it to the storage location

• DO NOT use bleach wipes

or alcohol wipes/swabs

Charging the Stratus VRI

• The Stratus VRI device must be plugged in at all times when not in use

Using the Stratus VRI

• Press the “Home” button located on the right hand side of the iPad

Using the Stratus VRI

• Press the “Video Interpreting” icon at the bottom of the iPad

Using the Stratus VRI

• Press the icon with language that is needed.

Using the Stratus VRI

• Average connection time is 30 seconds after placing the call

• However, please stay on the line even if it goes beyond 30 seconds

• If you hang up and call again, you will be placed at the bottom of the queue (waiting list) for accessing an interpreter

• Please be patient…

Using the Stratus VRI

• The interpreter will ask you for your name, the patient’s name, and location.

• Make sure you write down the interpreter’s name and session number.

Using the Stratus VRI

• The interpreter can bring up a “digital white board” for very brief written explanations and instructions, like prescriptions, post-op care, and procedures

Tylenol 500 mg, tres veces al dia.

Using the Stratus VRI

• A “video privacy/remove self” option is available. This stops video transmission of the patient to the interpreter without interrupting the call

Troubleshooting • If there are any issues, such as connectivity issues, while using

the Stratus VRI iPad, call the HELP Desk at ext. 84357

• The Stratus Video Success Team is also available for questions and concerns: – Phone: (855) 663-1231

– E-mail: CustomerSupport@stratusvideo.com

• For issues with interpreters, go to www.stratusvideo.com/feedback

Bethesda Policies

• For more information regarding Language Interpretation or Interpretation for the Hearing Impaired, go to the following Bethesda Operations Regulations Policies:

– Policy No. 1140: Foreign Language Interpreter Services

– Policy No. 1118: Interpreter Services for Patients and/or Family