Is machine language translation a viable tool for health communication?

Abstract

Health communication challenges due to language barriers could lead to consequences ranging from inconvenience to death. Machine language translation devices used in clinical settings offer a promising tool for improving communication between patients and health care providers. These devices can also potentially enhance the effectiveness of health education and promotion in public health settings. This chapter introduces language translation devices – computer software, websites, and mobile translations applications – used in clinical and public health settings. The authors review the literature on the feasibility and accuracy of language translation devices. Evidence suggests that machine language translation devices might improve and supplement health communication between patients and clinicians. Nonetheless, language translation devices do not supplant trained human professional translators. This chapter provides a guidelines and suggestions for reducing language miscommunications in both clinical and public health settings.