Translation Confusion Persists On Rx Drug Scripts
Pharmacy Times: News Briefs - May, 2003
Because of translation difficulties, approximately 1 in 10 children are given incorrect prescription medication as a result of parents not understanding the instructions before dispensing the medicines. In a survey of 592 individuals (including a large number of whom were native Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, or Russian speakers) in US Communities who speak English as a second language, 33% of the respondents said that they have left their physician's office without being clear about their medication because of a language translation barrier.
TransPerfect Translations conducted the survey to determine whether people who speak little or no English had problems with medication instructions. It found that respondents seemed hesitant to make sure they understood their prescriptions, and 28% guessed at the proper dosage because they did not know what the prescription said.
Furthermore, 17% performed an activity they should have avoided while on the medication because they did not fully grasp the facts about the medication.
The effects on the Spanish speaking community were more prevalent, compared with the other groups. More than 50% of the Spanish speaking participants reported having difficulty understanding [translating] the proper use of a prescription drug.
About TransPerfect
TransPerfect is a diversified family of companies providing a full array of international communication services in 22 offices worldwide, including document management, translation, and staffing solutions. TransPerfect is ISO 9001:2000 certified which means it has implemented the most rigorous quality assurance process, according to criteria set forth by the International Organization for Standardization. The wide range of services it provides includes imaging, reprographic services, electronic data discovery, multilingual OCR, electronic labeling, coding, on-site imaging and copying, as well as staffing, and a full suite of translation and interpretation solutions. Headquarters are in New York City.
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