Case study:

11 May 2010

SignTranslate GP and SignTranslate Hospital in England

Key points

Over 300 surgeries in England are now making use of SignTranslate, a web-based computer program that allows deaf people instant communication with health professionals without having to wait for a translator appointment.

In relation to end of life care it means that sensitive conversations around diagnosis, breaking bad news, prognosis and dying can take place when the patient – and carer – chooses.

SignTranslate, which is available to those whose first language is British Sign Language (BSL), was extended to hospitals at the start of this year and could also be rolled out to hospices and care homes. The programs also offer a range of minority languages.

At the moment a national shortage of qualified BSL interpreters means patients often have to wait up to five weeks before they can see a doctor with an interpreter.The 2008 GP patient survey also showed that deaf and minority language users encounter communication difficulties when dealing with healthcare staff.Many would like the choice of seeing their healthcare professional on their own rather than using a family member.

The program has been developed and funded by SignHealth, the National Healthcare Charity for Deaf People, in collaboration with Egton Medical Information Systems Ltd

(EMIS), enabling any EMIS surgery in England to access SignTranslate straight from their desk.The computer program shows BSL video clips of the doctor’s questions in sign language and patients can answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ or choose from pictures on the screen.They can also access a live, fully qualified interpreter on screen via a webcam.

The program is currently being offered free of charge to all general practices in England, funded by the charity.Thereafter a small charge will be levied through the primary care trusts. Many of the surgeries in the scheme are now using SignTranslate several times a week.

SignTranslate Hospital has been offered to acute and foundation trusts around the country. Each hospital needs an individual licence to gain access to the program.

Talks are currently taking place with the Welsh Assembly to develop a Welsh version of the program.Through a partnership arrangement, surgeries in Scotland will also be able to use the program.

SignHealth is working with the Department of Health with a view to commissioning a care pathway for deaf people.In addition work is taking place to improve access to disease specific information for deaf people.