Mobile video interpretation to improve communication across language barriers
Mobile Video interpretation to Optimize Communication Across Language barriers: mVOCAL
This project compares web-based training for clinicians with a mobile video interpreter on clinicians' phones to help adults who don't speak English get clearer, safer, and more respectful care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11111311 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you get care at a participating clinic, researchers are comparing two ways to increase use of professional interpreters: short interactive online training for clinicians and a mobile video interpretation option available on clinicians' phones. They will measure how often interpreters are used and whether patients understand their care better, feel more satisfied, and follow treatment plans. The mobile video option connects you with a professional interpreter through a clinician's device during clinic visits. You may be asked for permission to use your visit information and to complete a brief survey about your experience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with limited English proficiency who receive care at participating clinics or hospitals are the ideal candidates for this project.
Not a fit: Patients who already have reliable in-person interpreters, speak English fluently, or require specialized sign-language services may not see added benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase use of professional interpreters and improve understanding, safety, and satisfaction for patients with limited English proficiency.
How similar studies have performed: Professional interpretation is known to improve outcomes, but prior training and system changes produced only modest or mixed increases in interpreter use while mobile video interpretation is a newer approach with more limited testing.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Seattle Children's Hospital — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lion, Katherine Casey — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Lion, Katherine Casey
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.