[Establishment of a novel coronavirus infection system for medical interpreters in foreign medical care]

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to examine the medical interpretation system for foreign patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID19) in chronological order before and after the epidemic. Before the epidemic, we standardized the position of medical interpreters in the clinic. For foreign patients with high-context cultural backgrounds from Southeast Asia, we created a triangle between the doctor and patient to minimize droplet exposure. Prior to the declaration of the state of emergency, a training course on infection control, including protective clothing, was held for in-house medical interpreters. As the epidemic spread, interpretation by in-house interpreters was stopped in principle, and tablets were used for interpretation except for serious explanations. Terminals were separated into COVID19 confirmed, suspected, and normal. Verification of the disinfection operation of the terminals has been started. (After the declaration of the state of emergency) PCR testing of the interpreter terminal was started, and the terminal was operated while confirming negative results. Conclusion: During the declaration of a state of emergency in COVID 19, we had to rely on electronic terminals for conversations with foreign patients. However, the operation of these terminals requires long-term disinfection durability as well as the establishment of further usefulness in preventing COVID19 infection. (Author's abstract)