There has been a substantial shift in the language services industry over the last few years from on-site, face-to-face interpreter presence to a larger reliance on virtual/remote interpretation, using phone and/or internet-based solutions. Remote or virtual services include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, etc.
Health providers, businesses, law firms, and educational organizations found remote options necessary during the pandemic period, when closures and social distancing were mandatory. Specific solutions were and still are used for telemedicine appointments and consulting using Teladoc, Blue Jeans, and Doxy.me. Similar types of applications are used for parent-teacher conferences, business meetings and training, as well as legal procedures.
Due to the benefits of virtual interpretation, many LSC clients have moved away from on-site to remote-only or a combination of the two types of service.
Virtual remote services are often a more practical and cost-effective solution to client needs with these advantages over on-site interpreter presence:
- More immediate, especially with on-demand availability
- Cost-effective, with no mileage reimbursement or travel-related expenses
- Time savings with no required travel time
- Safer in terms of distancing and liability
However, it’s also important to consider the potential downside of virtual interpretation, including technical difficulties, reliance on a strong Wi-Fi connection, as well as important details of non-verbal cues or context that may be lost without in-person interaction.
On-site interpretation is still a vital requirement and preference for many clients when there is a need for reading body language to better assess and diagnose or when a patient, parent, or employee, etc. requests an on-site appointment. Advantages to on-site services include:
- Helps to build and sustain patient-provider, student-teacher, and other relationships
- Facilitates the most direct form of interaction
- Clearer sound and visibility
Costs are higher when interpreters are required to be on-site. Mileage, parking, tolls, and other fees are billable. Travel time may also be added to these fees, and will add extra time to the interpreter’s assignment hours. In the event of a delayed or no-show interpreter, it’s more difficult and time-sensitive to find a replacement.
LSC provides both on-site and virtual remote interpretation, including on-demand services as requested.
Contact us today to find the interpretation solution that best fits your needs.