The Pocketalk handheld translation device is now HIPAA-compliant and ready to be used in clinical settings, according to a media release from the company.

Pocketalk aims to give caregivers and patients the ability to speak directly and instantaneously. This elevated communication will hopefully deepen patient and caregiver rapport, leading to increased satisfaction for both parties, greater comprehension on diagnosis and treatments, and most importantly, lower rates of readmission.

Pocketalk features a clarity, speed and convenience that cannot be replicated by translation lines or interpretive services, helping to reduce non-medical costs in translation and interpretive services, and offering immediate communication that could eliminate wait times and dependency on other bilingual coworkers.

Put Into Action During Quarantine

With its launch in 2018, Pocketalk was originally designed as a travel-friendly practical communication tool – but when first responders aboard the Diamond Princess cruise line had to quarantine in Yokohama at the start of the pandemic, Pocketalk took action. They donated devices to enhance the communication between first responders and passengers, thereby reducing human interpreter exposure to COVID-19.

This incident, as well as the number of cases rapidly increasing, inspired Pocketalk to pivot its focus from world travelers to US first responders and healthcare workers in multilingual communities. The result was the release of Pocketalk Plus, a critical tool for medical professionals and first responders, arming them with quick, accurate translations in the field.

Now, being the first HIPAA-compliant translation device, Pocketalk is doubling down on the commitment to break down barriers to communication in crucial situations, the release explains.

“The pandemic helped us see just how valuable Pocketalk is in the healthcare space and, to that end, we are empowered and passionate about it helping break down barriers between healthcare providers and patients.

“Studies show that patients and families with language barriers receive a fraction of the communication that English-speaking families receive from their healthcare team, and we are aiming to change that by lightening the burden on human interpreters and allowing for more relationship building opportunities with all patients. We are thrilled to take a major step forward in fulfilling that goal via our HIPAA-compliant device, and to continue to send the message that all are welcome.”

— Joe Miller, general manager of the Americas and Europe at Pocketalk

Pocketalk Plus

The Pocketalk Plus features a large screen that is readable from 6 feet of distance, a strong speaker and a noise-canceling microphone. Other features include:

  • Translations for 82 languages
  • The ability to provide audio readout in native language
  • Quick and easy to sanitize – just one swipe of an alcohol wipe and you’re able to move from patient to patient
  • A camera that translates text and written words
  • Built-in data (no need for WiFi)
  • Access anytime and anywhere – slipping easily into a lab coat, Pocketalk is completely portable

For more information and to purchase, visit Pocketalk.

[Source(s): Pocketalk, PR Newswire]