Artisight has launched voice-activated interpreters on the company’s Smart Hospital Platform. It will allow clinicians to communicate with patients in hundreds of languages.

The technology enables around-the-clock access to thousands of medical interpreters in more than 240 languages, including American Sign Language and is compatible with any translation service used by hospitals.

One in five residents in the US speak a language other than English at home. Studies show that Limited English Proficiency (LEP) patients are 25% less likely to receive preventive care services and 50% more likely to experience adverse health outcomes than English-speaking patients.

On-demand interpretation bridges language and cultural barriers, allowing for improved diagnoses, treatment-plan adherence, and medical outcomes. Language access has also been shown to dramatically increase staff efficiency.

The Voice-Activated Interpreter is now available at hundreds of hospitals already using the company’s Smart Hospital Platform. Remote Artisight caregivers can access LanguageLine audio and video interpretation on demand, as well. This gives healthcare providers the ability to seamlessly access language support regardless of their physical location.

“For the first time, clinicians can bring an interpreter in the room with a voice command,” said Dr Andrew Gostine, chief executive officer and co-founder of Artisight. “This is another example of how we’re building the infrastructure to bring advanced technology into hospitals, eliminating friction for clinicians and patients at the bedside.”

“Reliable on-demand interpreting services are essential for delivering high-quality care. We’ve seen the need grow exponentially, to the extent that we managed over 85 million interactions last year,” LanguageLine President and CEO Simon Yoxon-Grant said. “Artisight’s voice-activated ability to immediately access a qualified interpreter further dissolves language barriers and will save caregivers a significant amount of time and frustration. Every second counts when you are dealing with people’s health and wellbeing.”