What is Video Remote Interpreting and how can it benefit my industry?
What Is Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)?
Imagine having both a visual and audio connection to experienced and credentialed interpreters, from anywhere across the US, to help you and your LEP patients or customers. The process sounds extremely easy, right? It is. Video remote interpreting enables interpreters to deliver a personalized interpreting session without geographic limitations. With integrations like Webex and Zoom, now remote interpreters can even join video conferencing calls.
Over the years, VRI has come to the rescue for many people. It has brought countless benefits to different industries. Today, we’ll be sharing some of those benefits and how VRI works in different industries.
How Does the Process Work?
Within minutes and with the touch of a button, the service provider can find someone who speaks the language needed and can interpret for them and their clients. Most often, the individual interpreting will appear on a screen. They can also see and hear you. It’s kind of like a Skype call where the interpreter Skypes in. This enables having a good connection, and relationship with both parties.
Now, let’s look at some of the industries who benefit from using VRI in their offices.
Healthcare
The healthcare sector is where VRI is used and needed more than anything. Quite often, individuals with limited knowledge of English, or deaf individuals, will come into a hospital or small clinic in need of medical care, but are unable to explain what is wrong or what their symptoms are. Those who do not speak English well may be people who are visiting relatives in the United States or people who live in the US permanently and have not yet become proficient enough for a conversation of this level.
However, it’s a doctor’s job to treat all of their patients who come through their doors equally, and to the best of their ability. A doctor can only rely so much on nonverbal cues, or can only check for so many symptoms without getting the communication they really need to assess what is wrong. Likewise, a patient needs to know what a doctor is instructing, what instructions a doctor is giving, what medication their providing, or what the next steps are that they want to take. Being unaware of what is happening, especially if it involves needles or any other type of procedure, can be a very scary experience for someone who has no idea what is going on because they cannot understand.
Additionally, those coping with long term health issues need to be clear on what is happening and the doctor’s plan of action. As such, a VRI interpreter steps in to solve all of these communication issues. A VRI can literally be a lifesaver in any one of these situations.
The Legal Sector
By law, anyone in the United States who will be going on trial for an offense with limited English has the right to have an interpreter. This service is even more necessary in immigration hearings. While some immigration matters are seen in more courthouses than others, some courthouses may employ interpreters on staff, however, that option isn’t always practical.
So while a court may hear several immigration matters a day, they may rarely hear someone who is either deaf or who speaks a lesser spoken language. Imagine hearing cases all day, then having a case when you’re least expecting come in from another country to have their case heard. Any language that you aren’t used to hearing is extremely difficult to learn. As such, by having the ability to connect with a VRI that speaks any language, saves the day again.
Technology
Many tech companies may have inventors in the United States, working with companies in Japan or Germany, all working to do the same thing but none speaking the same language. Video conferencing can encourage cross-cultural investment and collaboration, especially when video interpreters can help bridge communication gaps.
As you can see, it is incredibly essential for some sectors, as it is necessary to get ideas across both rapidly and accurately. If you’re interested in using VRI technology for your business or public service, take a look at the VRI services we offer. Here at Boostlingo, we have qualified and professional interpreters ready and waiting to help you understand others in your field.
