Healthcare Services

Background

Language barriers remain a significant obstacle to the provision of equitable healthcare. Research demonstrates that those with limited English proficiency receive lower quality care compared to English speakers, leading to worse health outcomes¹. Language barriers can risk miscommunication, resulting in greater instances of misdiagnoses or delays in diagnosis among those who have difficulty communicating with their healthcare providers². Moreover, misunderstandings resulting from language barriers can erode trust in healthcare providers³. Such findings are particularly concerning as trust is essential to health-promoting behaviour, such as adhering to medications and seeking medical help for subsequent health conditions⁴. Together, language barriers exacerbate the already existing health disparities faced by minority, marginalized, and underserved communities.

1. Diamond, L., Izquierdo, K., Canfield, D., Matsoukas, K., & Gany, F. (2019). A systematic review of the impact of patient–physician non-English language concordance on quality of care and outcomes. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 34(8), 1591–1606. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-04847-5

2. Al Shamsi, H., Almutairi, A. G., Al Mashrafi, S., & Al Kalbani, T. (2020). Implications of language barriers for healthcare: A systematic review. Oman Medical Journal, 35(2). https://doi.org/10.5001/omj.2020.40

3. Ahmed, S., Lee, S., Shommu, N., Rumana, N., & Turin, T. (2017). Experiences of communication barriers between physicians and immigrant patients: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Patient Experience Journal, 4(1), 122–140. https://doi.org/10.35680/2372-0247.1181

4. Krot, K., & Rudawska, I. (2021). How public trust in health care can shape patient overconsumption in health systems? The missing links. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(8), 3860. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083860

Our Solution

Our healthcare branch, Volentia Healthcare Translation, is a registered non-profit providing free language translation and interpretation services to immigrants, newcomers, and those with limited English-language proficiency. Differentiating ourselves from the currently available language services in British Columbia, we are pleased to offer all healthcare-related language services at no cost, for all types of healthcare appointments (in-person, virtual, phone), including, but not limited to family doctor, specialist, dentistry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy visits.

By providing free healthcare-based language services, our goal is to increase the accessibility and improve the quality of culturally safe healthcare, as well as enhance the therapeutic relationship between patients and healthcare providers. Through facilitating better communication and understanding, we hope to empower patients to become active participants in their own care.

Team

Our team of over 100 UBC students collectively encompasses proficiency in over 14 languages. All students possess full professional linguistic proficiency, are required to pass a language exam and a Criminal Record Check, complete the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS 2), engage in cultural safety training provided by the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), and sign a Patient Confidentiality Form prior to being able to volunteer.

Languages

Mandarin

Cantonese

Korean

Vietnamese

Uyghur

Tagalog

Punjabi

Hindi

Tamil

Arabic

Farsi

Dari

Spanish

French

Kurdish

Marathi

Portuguese

Testimonials

“I felt safe and comfortable knowing that the doctor was able to understand my concerns.”
"The volunteer was attentive to my unique needs. She really took the detail and time to thoroughly discuss the details of my care.”
"I finally found this service. Last month I saw a retinal specialist and had to find a translator for one day. It gave me a huge headache. Now that I know [of Volentia’s services], I feel relieved. I don’t know many medical terms. I will contact you next time. Thank you!”
“The quality of language services provided was excellent. The language interpreter was enthusiastic and professional. I’m very thankful for the organization’s help.”
"With the help of my interpreter, I felt reassured and at ease.”
"The volunteer was extremely diligent and responsible. They even sent over the English name of the medication that the physician had mentioned after the appointment. It truly touched my heart."
“Thank you for providing free translation services to us new immigrants who are struggling with English. This has really provided a lot of convenience. During the last translation appointment, I could feel that the volunteer was very patient and translated everything accurately. Although the appointment time was very long, the volunteer showed no signs of impatience. Thank you very much!”
"[Volentia Translation] has helped people who have difficulty with English and don't have access to translation services. I am very grateful for your help.”
"The volunteer was punctual, professional, and very nice. Communication was smooth and timely throughout the service, from the appointment request to the day of the medical appointment. Thank you so much to Volentia and its volunteers for supporting my family along the way.”
“Very professional and friendly. Although the appointment was volunteer work, we were still treated with great care. Excellent and precise translation skills.”
"[The volunteer] was patient and approachable throughout the entire appointment. It was excellent. I am grateful for all the help [the volunteer] provided.”
"I hope this service will continue.”
“Good and clear.”
"Perfect!”
"The interpreter was very friendly and helpful.”

Booking Process

Find your language-specific booking form and submit a request:

Booking in advance improves our ability to provide you with a volunteer.

Vancouver
Toronto
Alberta (coming soon)

Our Operations Coordinator will contact you via email or text within 3-5 business days to inform you if you have been successfully matched with a volunteer.

If you have been matched, a volunteer will reach out to you via email, phone, and/or text to coordinate appointment details.

Volentia Translation provides low-barrier language translation and interpretation services to enhance equitable access to healthcare services, legal support, and research representation.

Volentia Translation operates on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people, on whose unceded traditional territories we work, learn, and live.

VOLENTIA TRANSLATION