AI tools can solve various issues. In an intercultural environment, we may encounter language barriers, where a lack of linguistic knowledge leads to an inability to communicate with one another. Partly, these problems can be solved by translators – qualified language interpreters. Despite this, AI interpreters can be as an alternative for these services, delivering high-quality results as well. In this article, we will analyse whether AI can replace professional language interpreters in an especially important industry – healthcare, where precision, quality and reliability are significant conditions.
Interpreters Value in Healthcare
Interpreters are professionals in their field, serving as mediators between two people who speak different languages. In healthcare, these language interpreters possess excellent knowledge of the medical field, including the terminology of diseases, their symptoms, and treatments.
Interpreter services are vital in hospitals, especially in unexpected situations: when a foreigner in the country gets into an accident, when immigrants or refugees arrive in need of medical assistance, etc. These situations themselves cause huge stress, but language barriers add an additional layer of inconvenience. So, interpreters can help resolve issues of miscommunication.
In such situations, interpreters assist doctors in understanding a patient’s condition, their complaints, and medical history. From the patient’s perspective, interpreters help explain the diagnosed disease, recommended treatment, and further steps. Additionally, language interpreters communicate not only with doctors and patients but also with patients’ relatives. They can also provide written instructions regarding medication, treatment recommendations, and more.
How are AI Interpreters Changing the Translation Industry?
Advanced natural language processing algorithms have revolutionized translation services. AI interpreters can offer certain advantages that surpass human resources:
- Efficiency. AI systems can translate spoken language in real-time and operate 24/7. While human interpreters can also provide these services, AI systems translate without the vocabulary limitations or pauses that humans may encounter. Additionally, AI voice transcription technology can transcribe such conversations and present them in text format. In this way, the patient can receive a report of their diagnosis, treatment recommendations, prescribed medications, and so on, in a language they understand.
- Personal connection. Communication via AI also eliminates the need for third-party involvement. This makes the conversation more personal, allowing the patient to feel more comfortable and at ease.
- Versatility. Human interpreters often know several foreign languages, while AI interpreters can support dozens of languages. This makes AI a universal tool that saves resources by eliminating the need to hire multiple interpreters.
However, in this highly important industry, it is crucial to evaluate certain risks that may become evident when integrating AI into hospital translation services:
- Nuances of linguistic features. While AI’s potential lies in its ability to continuously learn and improve, challenges may still arise in correctly understanding and conveying cultural differences. Many countries have unique emotional or cultural nuances that affect speech patterns, expressions, or ways of delivering information. AI tools are not yet advanced enough to fully address these nuances.
- Vocabulary and translation errors. Healthcare is a critical and specialized field with its own terminology. AI systems may fail to understand or accurately translate certain jargon specific to medicine, which could lead to patients receiving incorrect information.
- Control. It remains challenging to verify whether AI interpreters have translated accurately, whether errors occurred, or whether the patient fully understood the information. For this reason, human involvement is still necessary in this process.
- Establishing connection. With smart technologies, the interpersonal connection often diminishes. Eye contact is also lost, which can make consultations less pleasant.
Final Thoughts
From these advantages and disadvantages, each person can decide on the question at hand: can AI replace humans? For now, it is evident that the medical field still requires high-quality and precise information, which human interpreters are better equipped to provide at this stage. In some cases, especially with rarer languages, AI interpreters may lack accuracy, increasing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
Nevertheless, AI will eventually become one of the potential alternatives, bringing new opportunities. Until then, collaboration between human resources and AI can ensure both efficient work and high-quality results.
If you are interested in this topic, we suggest you check our article:
- Live Translation for Everyday Life with AI
- AI in Healthcare: 8 Use Cases Making a Positive Impact
- Next-Gen AI Doctors: Movano’s Smart Ring Lets You Talk to AI Chatbot EvieAI
Source: Language Connections, Marstranslation, Novalins
