2026-01-30
Blogg
A successful pilot research study at Oslo University Hospital highlights the need for a complement to interpreters going through surgery.
In the realm of healthcare, effective communication is an imperative. For years, healthcare personnel have reported a need for extra support in communication with minority-language patients. The needs are about everyday communication, such as short messages, clarifications and questions, as a supplement to interpreting services. There was a need to replace the use of other solutions such as Google translate, which do not have quality-assured translations and pose an information security risk.
In response to this dilemma, Oslo University Hospital undertook a pilot research study within their thoracic surgery department. Their mission was to test the usability and effectiveness of Care to Translate on heart surgery, minority-language patients and their healthcare personnel.
In anticipation of the pilot study, healthcare staff contributed significantly by submitting feedback on concise phrases, tailored to the needs of the patients in various departments, and that eventually was added to the phrase library.
During the study, they made the app available to healthcare staff to use with patients patients around the clock, 24/7. It quickly became an indispensable component of the holistic treatment process, spanning from the patient's initial arrival at the hospital, throughout the surgery and post-operative care, and finally in the thoracic surgery inpatient ward.
An exhaustive 106 interviews were conducted, engaging 11 patients and 95 healthcare professionals. These interviews were complemented by meticulous daily observations and questionnaires, the outcomes of which have been nothing short of astounding. Here are some of the outcomes reported by healthcare personnel:
Care to Translate was perceived not only as user-friendly but also easy to navigate.
By engaging in dialogue with patients in their native language, the app was instrumental in creating trust. Patients could now comprehend proceedings and approach their care with a newfound confidence.
The app played a pivotal role in delineating the symptoms and requirements of the patients, thus enabling healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care.
Care to Translate secured the channel of communication between healthcare personnel and patients, particularly in discussions involving sensitive subjects such as pain management and medication.
Care to Translate are happy to see that we could help Oslo University Hospital to break down language barriers and making healthcare more inclusive. The thorax surgery clinic has made substantial contributions to the patient experience, ensuring that every patient can engage in effective communication with their healthcare providers. In essence, Oslo University Hospital has taken a giant stride towards reshaping the healthcare landscape, imbuing it with enhanced accessibility and patient-centricity.
If you are interested in reading the full report from Oslo University Hospital, please contact us.