PGLS Pulse: October 2024

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the PGLS Pulse: your source of timely and thoughtful news about the language services industry.

PGLS: Healthcare Awareness

At PGLS, we believe that equity in healthcare starts with available and accessible language services. Effective communication —from appointment setting to post-visit follow-up— makes all the difference in patient care. We’re busy bridging language gaps to help provide clearer, culturally competent care for every patient, regardless of proficiency in any one language. This month, across our various channels, we will share how improving language access in healthcare improves lives. Stay tuned for more!

Industry News

Language Barriers Can Cause Medical Harm

The BBC investigation revealed that problems with NHS interpreting services contributed to patient deaths and serious harm, including the death of Rana Abdelkarim and at least 80 cases of babies dying or suffering brain injuries between 2018 and 2022. The lack of effective interpretation services has led to miscommunication, with some staff resorting to online tools for critical conversations, prompting calls for systemic improvements in NHS language services. Read more here.

US Doctors Review ChatGPT and Google Translate for Medical Translations

A study conducted by US physicians compared the accuracy and quality of translations for pediatric discharge instructions using ChatGPT, Google Translate, and professional translation services. The research found that ChatGPT and Google Translate performed similarly to professional translators for Spanish and Portuguese, but both had significant errors when translating into Haitian Creole. The study concluded that while machine translation platforms show promise, more diverse multilingual data and regulation are needed for safe use in clinical settings. Read more here.

How Interpreters Are Helping This Indiana Plant Address Its Labor Shortage

DS Smith's Lebanon, Indiana plant faced a labor shortage in 2022, struggling to fill roles for three months despite various recruitment efforts. To address this, the company implemented a full-time interpreter program, allowing them to hire and train Spanish-speaking workers. As a result, the plant increased its Spanish-speaking workforce from 6% to 42%, filling jobs faster and boosting production. The program not only improved communication but also opened doors for workers like Eduardo Vera, who advanced to machine operator thanks to the interpreter’s support. Read more here.

For Linguists

Upcoming Events

• If you are in MN on October 9th, come to the Bilingual Professionals Job Fair, hosted by the Karen Organization of Minnesota; Meet Inessa from PGLS and enjoy a beverage, or two! More details here.?
• We also hope to see you the last week of October, at the ATA event in Portland, Oregon!?More details here.?

Job Opportunities

We are always looking for talented language professionals. If you are a translator, interpreter, or language instructor, PGLS wants to work with you! Explore our open roles here.

PGLS News

• Language barriers should never stand in the way of quality healthcare. Discover how creating a robust language access plan can ensure patients with limited English proficiency receive the care they deserve. Read more about building an inclusive healthcare system and how PGLS can help bridge the communication gap here.
• Curious where your organization stands? Use our convenient self-assessment tool to see where there are gaps in your hospital’s language access plan.
• We've posted a new podcast episode: In Episode 2 of ?????? ?????????????????? ????????????, we were honored to host Dr. Jeanine DeFalco, a leader in adaptive training technologies and ethical AI design. Listen here.
• ICYMI: ?We celebrated International Translation Day, our founder’s birthday, AND our 11th birthday all on Monday – September 30th is a special day here at PGLS! Here’s a little walk down memory lane.
• We were honored to see our Founder & CEO, Mohamed Hussein, featured as one of MultiLingual magazine’s “Hidden Gems” last month! Subscribe to the digital version for free and read the full feature here.
• As part of our PGLS Cares initiatives, we are proud to support SaLT: Service and Learning Together's "Take Care" Packages program. With the help of SaLT, we’re making sure immigrants transition more smoothly with dignity and care.

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