Inova Health System and VRI (Video Relay Interpreting)

May 2012&

Presented by:

Jaclyn Evans Sign Language Services

Manager, Inova Health Systems jaclyn.evans@inova.org

2

Inova Health System includes:

HospitalsEmergency Care Centers Urgent Care CentersPrimary Care Centers Adult and Pediatric Specialties

Stand-alone Inova Emergency Care Centers

Hospital-based EmergencyRooms

• Inova Emergency Care Center – Fairfax • Inova Emergency Care

Center – Leesburg • Inova Emergency Care

Center – Reston/Herndon • Inova HealthPlex

Emergency Care Center •

• Inova Alexandria Hospital Emergency Room

• Inova Fairfax Hospital Emergency Room/InovaRegional Trauma Center

• Inova Fairfax Hospital forChildren Emergency Room/InovaRegional Trauma Center

• Inova Fair Oaks Hospital Emergency Room

• Inova Loudoun Hospital Adult and Pediatric Emergency Room

• Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Emergency Room

• Inova Urgent Care Center–Centreville

• Inova Urgent Care Center–Dulles South

• Inova Urgent Care Center–Purcellville

• Inova Urgent Care Center–Vienna

Inova Primary Care Practice Locations&

Inova Family Medicine Inova Internal Medicine • Ashburn • Falls Church • Chantilly • Mark Center • Gainesville • Mclean • Lake Ridge • Old Town • Springfield • Reston

• Centerville

Pediatric Specialties • Pediatric endocrinology • Pediatric gastroenterology • Pediatric genetics • Pediatric cancer • Pediatric nephrology • Pediatric neurosurgery • Pediatric rheumatology • Pediatric intensivist • Pediatric hospitalist • Pediatric psychiatry

Adult Specialties

• Breast Surgery • Endocrinology • Hospitalists • Intensivists • Neurology • Neurosurgery • Obstetrics • Orthopaedics • Orthopaedic Trauma • Pathology • Psychiatry • Surgery • Transplant • Trauma

Inova Interpreter Services:

• Inova firmly supports patient centered care. We demonstrate this in our interpreter services by asking each and every patient and their companion if they communicate in English or/if they use another language to communicate. If they desire a Sign Language Interpreter we let the individual make the decision if they want to use an in person interpreter, or VRI.

Emergent Situations:

• In the event that a patient is comes into one of our Hospitals under emergent circumstances we offer our VRI as an option until the in-person interpreter arrives. In this aspect VRI services are very prompt and effective. • VRI is not suitable for certain circumstances.

Inova’s Innovation:

• Inova currently has a staff of 22 PRN American Sign Language Interpreters, and one full time ASL Interpreter. • Inova has a Sign Language Scheduler on duty 24/7

(for staff at any of our locations to request an interpreter). • We are currently exploring using VRI in house (we

are testing this with spoken languages as well as American Sign Language).

VRI Obstacles:

• We have similar concerns as most with VRI, such as: – unusable for those with visual impairments or any number of

complex situations (immobilized, fatigued, distressed, etc.), – two dimensional, – connectivity or internet concern (natural occurrences or

disasters can cause problems).

Suggestions for VRI Medical Interpreters&

• Extensive In-person medical interpreting background • Continual education in the most current medical

terminology, and current practices and procedures • Self awareness - VRI in a Emergency Department has the

possibility of being very intense (imagine being a 911 operator with a view into the callers entire world)

• Medical interpreting is not for everyone. • Being in a VRI environment where you may get cut off due to

any number of reasons (IT problems, In person interpreterarrives, patient is rushed to any number of life saving measures) • can be very stressful, so being emotionally prepared for these

complex situations is key.

   

Closing:

• Our Mission  is “To improve  the health  of the diverse  community we serve through excellence in patient care, education and research.”

• Feel free to visit www.inova.org for more information.