NexTalk for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients

Deaf and hard of hearing patients have a new option for care at Baton Rouge General. The General is now using NexTalk, which allows patients to link in real-time to an online sign-language interpreter, allowing communication 24-hours a day, seven days a week. The General is the first hospital in the region with this technology and it is available at both its Mid City and Bluebonnet hospitals, including both Emergency Departments.

The biggest advantage is that NexTalk is 24/7, real time access to an interpreter. There is minimal delay in getting medical history and consent from a hearing impaired patientwith traditional interpreting services, it sometimes takes 30 minutes or more for an in-person interpreter to arrive. During that time we may be missing critical information about a patient and the patient can be very frustrated in not knowing what is happening. This new technology absolutely makes patient care safer and better for the hearing-impaired community, said Dr. Johnny Jones, Chief of Emergency Services at Baton Rouge General.

With NexTalk, the software and webcams are installed on a nursing cart on each unit, which can be pushed into a patient room as needed (each cart has a laptop attached). A webcam and microphone allow the online interpreter to see and hear both patient and caregiver, making conversation possible as if all were in the same room. This is especially important in cases where a physician needs to communicate details of a surgery or procedure.

Dr. Robert Linford, Emergency Department, said that more than anything, NexTalk will help expedite care.

Immediate access to translating services is critical in getting patients the care they need quickly. Its easy to see NexTalk will help advance care for our deaf patients because in an emergency situation, minutes are important.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• deaf
• hard of hearing
• baton rouge general
• nextalk
• baton rouge

[hopenchrist777]

I am an EMT and would like to know if NexTalk is available for the field in a hand-held unit. I have ran into several situations where NexTalk would have been invaluable in the care of my patient. I have since began an ASL sign-language class. There is also one (just one) book called MEDI-SIGN I am using for this purpose. NexTalk would assist those who are unable to continue their education as I am for the benefit of the patient. Thank you for this post and please get back with me on this.

[iilovejonasbros04]

I would totally use this but im hardhearing and i dont do sign language well.

[dloveshorses]

Fabulous! 

[BartSimpsx24x]

That great but can we use it now or what? 

[Padeaf]

oh.. good usa but no in Pakistan

[letcrackup1972]

that great!

[Deafpilot1]

super......

[Deafpilot1]

super......