Louis Hampers Highlights Need for Interpreter Services in Pharmacies
Online, July 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - While several pharmacies already enact policies that encourage multilingual policies to assist diverse customer populations, many patients have trouble getting the medical services they need because of language barriers. According to a recent report from the American Medical News, the American Medical Association is addressing such problems by expanding interpreter services policies to pharmacies that service non-English speaking and hearing-impaired patients. Dr. Louis Hampers , who has been a leading voice in medical interpreter needs in hospitals, celebrates these initiatives but notes that the struggle to provide solid care in spite of language barriers is far from over.
Louis Hampers has conducted research for Cyracom, a medical interpreter service company exclusively endorsed by the American Health Association, and understands the severity of the problems non-English speaking patients face when dealing with the healthcare community. He notes, "In theory, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 guarantees patients access to language services if needed. Yet the fact that many medical encounters in the U.S. take place without appropriate interpreter services is an open secret."
In the article, Bethany Bush, a regional medical student delegate for the West Virginia State Medical Association, speaking for the AMA Medical Student Section states, "The AMA already believes that offering these services [in pharmacies] is important, and it is clear that understanding medical instructions including, but not limited to, medical dosage and timing are all essential elements in providing health care services." As of June 18, 2012, the AMA was given direction by delegates to pursue further legislation that would eliminate "the financial burden to physicians and hospitals for the cost of these services."
According to the article, individual pharmacists who already comply with civil right policies do so through their own translation software, relying on patients' family members or by hiring bilingual staff. Such efforts are admirable, observes Dr. Hampers, but it is not enough to address the growing population of Americans that requires interpreter services in medical situations.
Kevin Schweers, spokesman for the National Community Pharmacists Association, notes in the article that whether or not a pharmacy has interpreter services is "best made by state pharmacy boards and individual pharmacy owners with the most information and best perspective on their patients' needs, obstacles to taking their medication and how to overcome those obstacles to achieve optimal health outcomes." Dr. Louis Hampers adds, "The reason for inadequate service is simple: lack of consistent payment for this requirement has resulted in an unfunded mandate upon all healthcare providers. Legislation addressing this situation is needed."
ABOUT:
Dr. Louis Hampers is a pediatric emergency physician in Colorado. Through his work, he has assisted in the research and development of emergency medicine. Additionally, he has contributed to the creation of medical interpreter services. Dr. Louis Hampers earned his degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Today, he is a leader in the effort to overcome language barriers within medical facilities.