COLUMBUS, Ohio, June 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The ability for patients to communicate effectively with healthcare providers is instrumental in achieving the best outcomes. In partnership with Language Access Network (LAN), Limited English Proficient (LEP) and Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing patients at Hospital for Special Care have access to state-of-the-art technology to assist them in communicating successfully with those providing their care. LAN allows patients and caregivers to utilize its Martti™ (My Accessible Real-Time Trusted Interpreter) units to connect via live video with the highest quality medical interpreters in the industry, within seconds at the touch of a button. Located in LAN's HIPAA-compliant language centers throughout the country, LAN interpreters are available for over 210 languages, including American Sign Language, around the clock, 365 days per year.
"With a growing population of patients for whom English is not their spoken language, it is vital that we assess and improve the language services that we offer," said Ami Desai, Director of Clinical Administration at Hospital for Special Care. "Our mission is to provide exemplary care to achieve enduring improvements in patients' and families' quality of life and create innovative, cost-effective models of provision of health care. Martti allows us to do just that. The quick access and visual interpretation availability is having a positive impact on patient outcomes by breaking down the barriers of communication," she added.
Not only did Hospital for Special Care select Martti as its method of interpretation, but the decision was initially driven and funded by its staff. In an annual fund drive spearheaded by hospital employees, a need is identified and a solution is selected to directly impact the lives of patients. This year the staff decided to focus their efforts on enhancing technology – specifically for interpretation. According to Desai, Martti's patient-centered technology is improving patient experience and provider satisfaction, generating positive reviews from patients, families and staff.
"The non-verbal cues that Martti video technology enables the interpreter to observe, offer additional valuable information while creating a rapport and reducing anxiety, leading to better patient encounters," explains LAN CEO, James Edwards.
About Language Access Network, LLC
Language Access Network, LLC (LAN) is the leader in trusted healthcare communications. LAN provides video medical interpretation (VMI) services to hospitals and other medical venues nationwide. As a result of being physician owned and solely focused on healthcare, LAN has unique insight into how to drive better outcomes, improve patient satisfaction and be a true partner to its client hospitals. Targeted towards Limited English Proficient and Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing patient populations, LAN provides its rapidly growing client base (currently over 350 medical facilities nationwide) with 24/7/365 access to the highest quality & trained interpreters available via its centralized video language centers.
www.lan.us
About Hospital for
Special Care
Hospital for Special Care (HSC) is, a private, not-for-profit 228-bed rehabilitation long-term acute and chronic care hospital, widely-known and respected for its expertise in physical rehabilitation (including outpatient rehabilitation), respiratory care and medically-complex pediatrics. Special programs for spinal cord injuries, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiac care, acquired brain injuries, stroke, ventilator management and geriatrics, make HSC an important regional resource for patients with special healthcare needs.
www.hfsc.org