Healthcare Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)

Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) can be set up in a matter of minutes and provides communication access through a nationally certified interpreter, even with little or no advanced notice. Learn how VRI works in an array of healthcare settings below!

VRI Tip: No matter the setting, it helps to go through an overview of the appointment at the very beginning so all parties are comfortable and aware moving forward.

Doctor Appointment: VRI is a simple solution for communication access for any medical clinic with a device that has a speaker, microphone, camera, and access to wifi. When utilizing VRI for a Doctor’s Appointment it is imperative the device displaying the interpreter is within eye sight of the Deaf consumer at all times and is within ear shot of the hearing doctor, nurse, or office staff.

Dentist Appointment: VRI can make communication access more cost efficient by avoiding travel time and longer request length minimums. In order to get the most out of the time with your VRI interpreter for a dentist appointment, be sure the Deaf patient is sat up enough to see the device displaying the interpreter when speaking will occur. Ensure the room lighting is bright enough for the interpreter to see the Deaf individual signing. If a hearing individual will be speaking during the servicing of the appointment, ensure there is a microphone close enough to the speaker to cut through any equipment noise the interpreter may also hear through the device.

Optometrist Appointment: VRI services can be used when necessary for eye exams and glasses fittings. Due to the environmental requirements of dimmed lights and focus on the eye chart during eye exams, it is imperative the Deaf consumer is comfortable utilizing VRI services in this setting and is made aware in advance. Ensure all instructions are given to the Deaf consumer using the interpreter before the lights are dimmed and they are asked to look through the phoropter or slit lamp. To maintain the integrity of the results of the exam, communication in advance helps avoid the Deaf consumer having to pull away from the machine to ask questions using the interpreter. Finally, ensure the device displaying the interpreter can still see the Deaf individual signing throughout the exam to voice for the patient throughout the exam.

Audiologist Appointment: VRI interpreters are nationally certified and prepare in advance to have the proper terminology and context to complete the assignment efficiently. Be sure the device displaying the interpreter stays within eye sight of the Deaf patient and within ear shot of the hearing practitioner.

Physical Therapy: Due to the often mobile nature of physical therapy, be sure to consider the space and movements before the appointments begin to ensure the interpreter can remain close enough visually and audibly to the Deaf and hearing participants throughout the appointment. It may help to have a mobile cart to host the device displaying the interpreter so it can move with the patient throughout the appointment.

Mental Health Therapy: VRI is a communication access tool used often for therapy and counseling sessions. Our professionally certified interpreters are bound by the strictest security and confidentiality standards and maintain these standards for every assignment. Whether therapy is occurring in-person or online between the patient and therapist, VRI can be used. If therapy may be ongoing, consider requesting VRI services for all appointments scheduled in advance to allow for consistency in interpreting service providers. This consistency promotes a sense of comfort and steadiness for the Deaf patient to engage in the therapy services occurring fully.

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