What You Need to Know About Video Remote Interpreting Services

Virtual calls are not only commonplace these days, but most of us have become pros at them. Did you know you can include an interpreter on these calls to help your Limited English Proficient (LEP), deaf and hard of hearing employees?

Many companies in various industries, from healthcare and education, to manufacturing and marketing, have already taken advantage of iTi’s secure and encrypted Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) service.

In fact, CSA Research noted last summer, during the height of the pandemic, that demand for Video Remote Interpreting had more than tripled. If you have questions about VRI, you have come to the right place.

What is Video Remote Interpreting?

Video Remote Interpreting uses a software application to provide interpreting services – via an off-site interpreter – for Limited English Proficient (LEP), deaf or hard-of-hearing clients.

The LEP or deaf/hard-of-hearing client and the source-language speaker are joined by the interpreter on a multi-person video call. The popularity of VRI has soared since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic because it is a great alternative to in-person interpreting.

How does Video Remote Interpreting work?

iTi’s secure, encrypted VRI platform connects you with a certified interpreter in about 30 seconds and is available in pre-scheduled and on-demand formats.

The latter is a great solution for last-minute requests, while pre-scheduled VRI is the go-to format for things like routine appointments, virtual conferences, distance learning and legal depositions, among other things.

What are the benefits of Video Remote Interpreting?

The main benefits of Video Remote Interpreting are:

• Convenience: VRI connects a client almost instantaneously with a certified interpreter. This is invaluable, especially in with our HIPAA compliant healthcare telehealth service, because every second counts during an emergency.

• Safety – This is the obvious effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. In telehealth, patients can be assessed without having to sit in a waiting room, thus avoiding unnecessary close contact with others. VRI has been helping companies conduct business remotely until employees can safely return to an office setting, and it helps schools assist LEP and deaf or hard-of-hearing students who are distance learning.

• Better communication – VRI combines the benefits of over-the-phone interpretation and in-person interpreting because it allows for nonverbal communication. This is also extremely useful for ASL clients because there is less in-person interpreting available currently.

• Efficiency – The immediacy of having an interpreter available in about 30 seconds naturally increases efficiency. One iTi healthcare client logged 3,500 minutes of consults in a 10-day span when it first deployed our telehealth solution.

• Cost – A company saves on travel costs of hiring an in-person interpreter. How much money can VRI save a company? The Carolinas Healthcare System saved $1.5 million in annual interpreter expenses by primarily using VRI.

 Click here for a more in-depth discussion of the benefits of VRI

What equipment do I need for VRI?

There is no extra equipment needed for VRI, thus no extra costs. Any internet-connected device with a web camera and microphone will work.

The requirements for using Video Remote Interpreting are:

• high-speed internet connection

• any device with a web camera and audio capabilities

Is VRI secure with WiFI?

iTi’s VRI service features end-to-end encryption, which mean its secure to use, even on public WiFi.

iTi’s Video Remote Interpreting security measures include:

• Password protection

• Virtual waiting room

• Link expiration

• Much more!

The original version of this page was published at:  https://blog.ititranslates.com/2020/10/23/faq-what-to-know-about-video-remote-interpreting-services/