Avoid translation devices like Pocketalk
You may have heard about handheld translation devices such as Pocketalk and Vasco Translator. They're now being marketed to health care providers, and they can look like an easy, low-cost way to communicate with participants. However, these devices were originally created for travelers, not for health or nutrition conversations. Some of these devices were tested by our State Enterprise Translation Office (ETO), within the Department of Administration, to determine their accuracy of translation in Spanish and Somali. After reviewing their results, we are not encouraging their use in local agency settings.
What testing showed. ETO's Spanish and Somali teams tested both devices using word error rate, but they did not test for medical terminology. While the Spanish results were strong, they needed to specify “Mexican Spanish” for the greatest accuracy. Processing felt slow to many users, requiring testers to speak more slowly than they normally would. Somali results were inconsistent and unreliable. Devices struggled with Somali grammar and produced unnatural phrasing, and the same sentence could be interpreted differently from one attempt to the next.
Why it matters for our work. A mistranslated instruction or health question can lead to real harm, and we can't tell in the moment whether an error has occurred. Being HIPAA compliant also doesn't mean a tool meets program standards for quality, privacy, or participant experience. Civil Rights requirements specify that non-English speaking participants must receive the same standard of services as those who speak English. This includes providing appropriate quality interpretation.
What to use instead. Please continue to use in person interpreters or the Medical Line through LanguageLine, whose interpreters are professionally trained, including in medical terminology. LanguageLine is provided by the State at no additional costs to local agencies where you can connect to interpreters through video or over the phone.
One limited exception. For brief, non-complex exchanges, such as front desk or clerk interactions like directing someone to the right room, a device may be a reasonable stopgap if you need Spanish. It should not be used for appointments or any conversation involving health information, nutrition counseling, or eligibility.
See the Interpreters web page for information on translation devices and other interpreting information.
Questions about interpreter services? Contact your State Consultant or Jenny Skinner.
Corrected link for Exhibit 7-I tracking log
We discovered that last week’s Weekly Update included an incorrect link for Exhibit 7‑I: Tracking Log for Contract/Medical Formulas Returned, Disposed, or Donated (PDF). The correct link is now posted and available on the Minnesota Operations Manual website. We apologize for any confusion and appreciate your understanding.
Policy update: Section 9.6: Electronic Communications Security
We've revised MOM Section 9.6: Electronic Communications Security (PDF) to give clearer, more standardized procedures for obtaining and documenting consent for electronic communication, especially texting. These updates support consistent practice statewide and align with the Section 1.7: Data Privacy (PDF) policy and guidance approved earlier through the Text Messaging and WIC webpage. Key changes include:
-
Verbal consent: Temporary verbal consent can be collected when needed, but a written signature must follow if a participant agrees to receive text messages.
-
Documentation: Local agencies must document consent in writing and record it in each household member's file in the information system.
-
Standard form: Agencies can use (Exhibit 1-C-1a: Consent for Communication (PDF) or Exhibit 1-C: Authorization for Release of Information (PDF)). Agencies that prefer their own form must include all required elements in the policy.
-
Peers: Outlined the flexibilities that Peers have to use their personal phones to support participants.
Local agency staff should talk to their supervisor for approval before registering for training.
Refer to WIC Annual Required Trainings for staff training requirements.
Upcoming trainings
Case series catch-up week
Next week! If you missed joining one of the Lessons in WIC: Case Studies presented this year, you have another chance to join the conversation. We will be hosting a case study series catch-up next week, where we will present each of the four case studies.
Continuing education credits are offered. These sessions will not be recorded. Registration is not required to join.
Questions: Contact Carole Kelnhofer.
The week ahead
Check out upcoming trainings and meetings: Local Agency WIC Calendar
Find new job opportunities on the WIC Job Postings webpage. This week includes:
- Watonwan County Nutrition Coordinator (WIC Coordinator)/Public Health Nurse/Registered Nurse
Submit job postings using the WIC Job Postings survey.
|
