Can Video Interpreting Services Handle Medical or Legal Terminology?
In today’s interconnected and multilingual world, clear communication is critical—especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare and law. As globalisation increases and more services go virtual, video interpreting services have emerged as a practical and powerful solution. But can these services truly handle the complexity and nuance required for medical or legal terminology?
At TRANSLIT, we believe the answer is a confident yes—but with caveats. Let’s explore how and why video interpreting services are capable of managing these specialised fields, and what to consider when choosing a provider.
Understanding the Stakes
Medical and legal fields are high-stakes environments where a misinterpreted word can lead to severe consequences—ranging from misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment to contractual errors or courtroom confusion.
In such contexts, interpreters aren’t just translating words; they are conveying meaning, context, tone, and intent. This requires:
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Mastery of field-specific terminology
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Familiarity with cultural sensitivities
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Real-time decision-making skills
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Adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards
The Rise of Video Interpreting Services
Video interpreting services connect clients with professional interpreters via video conferencing platforms. Unlike over-the-phone interpretation, video allows interpreters to pick up on body language, facial expressions, and visual cues—all of which are vital in medical and legal scenarios.
This technology is often used:
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In hospitals and emergency rooms
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During legal consultations and depositions
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For virtual court hearings or arbitration
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In mental health sessions
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At police stations or immigration offices
How Video Interpreting Tackles Medical Terminology
Medical terminology is highly technical and often Latin- or Greek-based. Yet video interpreters who specialise in healthcare are trained in:
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Human anatomy and physiology terms
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Pharmacological vocabulary
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Common procedures and medical abbreviations
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Patient interview etiquette
Certified medical interpreters—like those trained under CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters) or similar standards—are equipped with the language proficiency and emotional intelligence needed to work in fast-paced, sensitive environments.
TRANSLIT’s medical interpreters, for example, undergo intensive vetting and industry-specific training to ensure accurate and empathetic delivery.
Can Video Interpreting Handle Legal Language?
Legal interpreting demands even greater precision. Legal terminology can be archaic, nuanced, and very specific to a country’s legal system. Mistakes can affect testimony, verdicts, or contractual obligations.
To manage this:
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Legal video interpreters often have law backgrounds or additional legal training
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Many specialise in areas like immigration law, family law, or criminal justice
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They follow strict confidentiality protocols
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They’re trained to remain impartial while facilitating clarity
In countries like Ireland, the UK, or the U.S., legal video interpreters may also require court-approved credentials.
TRANSLIT ensures legal interpreters are not only fluent in the target languages but also proficient in legal ethics, protocols, and terminology relevant to local and international jurisdictions.
Benefits of Video Interpreting in These Sectors
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Faster Access in Emergencies
Patients or legal clients don’t have to wait for in-person interpreters. Access is often instant. -
Visual Context
Unlike phone-based interpreting, video allows for visual interaction—critical in emotionally charged or complex discussions. -
Cost-Effective and Scalable
Institutions don’t need to keep full-time interpreters on-site for multiple languages. -
Multilingual Capability
With services like TRANSLIT’s platform, users can access interpreters across dozens of languages—even rare ones. -
Improved Patient/Client Outcomes
Clear communication fosters better understanding, informed consent, and trust—especially in healthcare and legal settings.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
While the advantages are clear, there are challenges:
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Internet Dependency
A stable internet connection is essential. Technical glitches can disrupt critical conversations. -
Interpreter Availability
Highly specialised interpreters may not be available 24/7 for every language, especially rare dialects. -
User Resistance
Some patients or clients, especially older individuals, may prefer in-person interpretation due to familiarity or comfort. -
Data Security
Platforms must be encrypted and compliant with laws like HIPAA (healthcare) or GDPR (EU data protection) to maintain confidentiality.
At TRANSLIT, we address these issues by offering a secure, GDPR-compliant platform and by scheduling expert interpreters ahead of time for high-priority sessions.
What to Look for in a Medical or Legal Video Interpreting Provider
Not all services are created equal. When selecting a provider, ensure they offer:
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Field-Specific Training
Do they vet their interpreters for medical or legal expertise? -
Certifications and Credentials
Are interpreters certified by recognised bodies? -
Technology Infrastructure
Is the platform secure, scalable, and user-friendly? -
Language Coverage
Can they handle rare languages or regional dialects? -
Support and Reliability
Is 24/7 access or scheduled availability offered?
TRANSLIT provides tailored solutions with expert interpreters, backed by robust security and a wide language pool, making us a trusted partner for both medical and legal professionals.
Conclusion
So, can video interpreting services handle medical or legal terminology?
Yes—when done right.
The combination of human expertise, technological innovation, and stringent standards allows video interpreting services to meet the demanding requirements of healthcare and law.
With a trusted provider like TRANSLIT, clients can rest assured that communication will be clear, precise, and professional—no matter how complex the conversation.
