Overcoming language barriers through technology

Overcoming language barriers through technology

Hospital staff are able to better communicate with patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, thanks to a simple and innovative communication app.

This Multicultural Health Week, we celebrate some of the ways our local health district is improving care for patients with low English proficiency.

CALD Assist, which is an award-winning app developed by Western Health (Victoria) in partnership with CSIRO, includes more than 250 translated phrases that are commonly used in basic care interactions.

CALD Assist means that nurses, midwives and allied health staff can more clearly communicate with patients from multicultural communities and focus on providing high quality, safe, person-centred care.

Designed by people who actually use it, including patients, the app is intuitive and easy to use. With culturally appropriate instructions in ten languages plus English, translated audio and accompanying pictures, the app allows clinicians to get timely accurate information from patients and therefore be more responsive to their needs.

SELSLHD is one of the local health districts making the most of the app. All major facilities across SESLHD have been provided with dedicated iPads, which are located in accessible areas on wards and departments.

CALD Assist does not replace professional interpreters but can assist with overcoming language barriers during basic care and low-risk interactions. The app is suitable for situations where a quick response is needed, meaning the interpreter service is freed up to be involved in more complex situations.