“We can now provide a continuity of care to all of our population, and treat anyone who comes in effectively and efficiently despite language barriers,” explains James Higgins, director of emergency medical services. “While the need is not as frequent as in an urban hospital, we do have an increasing number of patients for whom translation is required.”

Propio, based in Overland Park, offers 24-hour interpretation services for more than 150 languages and specializes in healthcare and governmental industries.

Dual-handset phones throughout Coffey County Hospital are equipped with stickers bearing the Propio toll-free number. Medical staff can call the number and specify the language needed, then a trained interpreter will come on the line and speak with the patient or family member on the second handset, translating the conversation and assuring thorough understanding for both parties.

Occasionally, staff may be unsure of the language spoken by the patient or family member. A handout from Propio includes samples of all available languages, instructing the patient to select their language so that an interpreter can be called.

Propio also offers document translation.
A brief video highlighting Propio’s services is available from James Higgins at Ext. 261.