I totally agree that in this climate of economic downturn and health care reform, we need to be fiscally efficient and thrifty. However, I disagree with Ms. Walther’s opinion that having proper medical translation is, in her words, “frivolous crap.”
As an NP in rheumatology, a field in which the cases can be medically complex, the stakes are too high to leave proper communication to chance. I have personally seen, in the days before we used certified translators, the consequences of wrong or incomplete information being translated by a well-meaning family member (sometimes even an older child, if no one else was available). There were times when patients took an incorrect dose of a medication or didn’t start a treatment because of inadequate information or lack of understanding of the reason why it was being used.
I would venture to say that in the long run, we probably actually save money by getting it right the first time. We save money in extra emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and general morbidity, by preventing adverse effects or complications from occurring. Furthermore, I strongly feel that we as NPs have a responsibility to honor our pledge to put the patient’s welfare first and ultimately do no harm. Isn’t that why we went into nursing in the first place?
Yes, being a child of European immigrants (who did learn English), I could argue that it’s not fair that today’s immigrants haven’t learned our language, and yes, in another country, we as Americans would probably have to make our own way—but hey, we’re not in France! We’re in the United States. And from last I recall … life is not always fair, is it? We need to accept the reality that we live in a multicultural society, deal with it, and do the right thing!
I would also venture to say that not all interpreters cost $50 or more per hour. Medical assistants, if they have been properly trained and have undergone certification examination, can provide this service more cost-effectively, as can telephone translators, if companies offering such services are properly researched. So I guess what I’m really saying is that we not only need to have an open mind, we need to think outside the box.
Heidi Butcher, NP, Downey, CA
More Help for Haiti
In the article “Help for Haiti” [Clinician Reviews. 2010;20(4): cover, 8-11, 13), there was a photo of a wheelchair on page 11. That wheelchair came from a nonprofit organization called Free Wheelchair Mission. Since 2001, FWM has distributed more than 470,000 wheelchairs to people in need around the world. The cost of the delivered chair is less than $60.
The organization’s Web site is www.freewheelchairmission.org. Donations are always appreciated.
Joanne Springer, MSN, Nampa, ID
Correction
In the May issue of Clinician Reviews [2010;20(5):cover], Bill Leinweber’s title was incorrectly stated. He is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. We apologize for the error.