Expression Australia and Bendigo Health have launched an app to give deaf patients immediate access to an Auslan interpreter to facilitate communication between patient and healthcare staff.
The organisations launched the Bendigo Health On-Demand Interpreting (BODI) app. An eight-week trial started on 10 January 2025 for the service which operates Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm.
The project, which both organisations have worked on since 2024, aims to overcome the communication gap. All staff in the hospital – administration, allied health, doctors, nurses, and patient services can use the service.
Through the on-demand app on an iPad, an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreter is available within three minutes of request to facilitate communication between patient and staff.
The app was made possible through Deaf Regional Health which is funded by the Department of Social Services.
Conversations using BODI are limited to about 15 minutes. For longer or more in-depth conversations, an Auslan interpreter needs to be present in person.
Expression Australia said the app was a great tool for bridging the communication gap until an Auslan interpreter arrived on-site or was available for video remote interpreting (VRI).
“Through the app, Auslan users and hospital staff will no longer have to wait for an interpreter to be available; every single interaction during a hospital visit can now be interpreted,” it said.
“More informed consumers and more informed hospital staff equal better decision making and better health outcomes.
“Accessing Auslan interpreters is a basic human right for all deaf and hard of hearing people, particularly when accessing the healthcare system.”
Expression Australia said examples of when patients should book an Auslan interpreter face-to-face or via the VRI service include for pre-booked appointments such as outpatients, and for conversations about significant healthcare decisions including treatment. This would ensure patients could understand and ask questions.
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