ETMC Offers New Communication System for Patients

TYLER — Ensuring clear and effective communication for all patients is the goal behind the adoption of the NexTalk Video Remote Interpreting system throughout the East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System. That’s according to hospital officials. NexTalk provides on-demand translation services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and those speaking limited English. Officials say it’s been installed, and team members have been trained, at all ETMC hospitals and ETMC First Physicians clinics throughout East Texas. The system allows patients and caregivers instant, face-to-face access to an interpreter through a secure Internet video link 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Clear communication is essential in providing high quality healthcare,” said Mike Gray, vice president of human resources for ETMC. “NexTalk provides a needed tool so that we can ensure all our patients actively participate in their care through open, effective conversation with their care providers. Our goal is to remove any and all hindrances and provide all East Texans with the highest quality care possible.”