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In the rapid evolution of digital health that is taking place in front of us, language barriers pose a significant, often overlooked challenge. This impacts both patients and healthcare providers, hindering effective communication, accurate diagnoses, and ultimately, quality care. With the rise of telehealth, AI-driven diagnostics, and mobile health apps, the very near future of healthcare is undeniably digital. But if this future is to be accessible, effective, and truly global, it must also be multilingual.
The Language Gap in Digital Health
Today, over 5 billion people globally own mobile devices, and digital health tools are increasingly accessible. However, language barriers remain a significant obstacle to care:
- In the U.S., more than 25 million people are Limited English Proficient (LEP), according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the actual numbers are even higher.
- A 2021 study published in JAMA found that Spanish-speaking patients using patient portals received less preventive care and had lower engagement levels compared to English-speaking patients.
- Globally, WHO reports that healthcare information is overwhelmingly produced in English, yet only about 17% of the world population speaks English.
These disparities underscore the urgency for multilingual solutions in digital health platforms.
Why Multilingual Digital Health Matters
- Language Access and Meaningful Inclusion in Care
Providing language access is essential to ensuring nondiscriminatory, person-centered care. Without translated content or qualified interpretation services, individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) may experience:
- Understand diagnoses and treatment plans
- Accurately follow medication instructions
- Use health apps or portals effectively
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
In the U.S., Section 1557 of the ACA mandates language access in healthcare for LEP individuals. Non-compliance not only risks legal consequences but compromises patient safety and trust.
- Improved Outcomes and Reduced Costs
Studies have shown that patients with access to care in their native language:
- Are more likely to adhere to treatment
- Have lower readmission rates
- Require fewer emergency room visits
This leads to better health outcomes and cost savings for providers.
The Role of the Language Industry in Digital Health
The language industry—translation, localization, and interpreting services—is key to making digital health multilingual. Here’s how:
- Translation and Localization of Health Platforms and Patient-care Materials
Localizing user interfaces, help documentation, and educational content ensures that apps and portals are usable across language groups. Bromberg & Associates provides comprehensive services including translation and localization tailored to healthcare needs.
- Real-Time Interpreting in Telehealth
Bromberg & Associates offers professional interpreting services, including telephone and video remote interpreting. Our proprietary Gateway to Access App facilitates smooth access to video remote interpreting, enabling real-time multilingual communication during telehealth visits.
• The Value of Human Expertise in Medical Communication
While technology continues to enhance healthcare delivery, trained language professionals remain essential to ensuring accurate and meaningful patient-provider communication. At Bromberg & Associates, our certified medical interpreters and translators do more than convert words—they convey critical context, cultural relevance, and emotional sensitivity. Our linguists:
- Ensure accurate, culturally appropriate communication
- Facilitate sensitive conversations, including diagnoses and end-of-life discussions
- Adapt health information to align with patients’ cultural beliefs and literacy levels
AI tools can augment, but not replace, experienced language professionals who bring consistency, ethical decision-making, cultural fluency, and precision to every healthcare encounter.
Case Study: NYC Health + Hospitals
One powerful example is NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public healthcare system in the U.S. They:
- Serve patients speaking over 190 languages
- Employ telephonic interpreting, in-person interpreters, and document translation services
- Recently integrated video interpreting within telehealth platforms to streamline care during remote visits
Best Practices for Multilingual Digital Health
To ensure digital health tools serve diverse populations effectively, here are key best practices:
- Conduct a Language Needs Assessment: Identify the primary languages spoken by patient populations
- Localize, Don’t Just Translate: Tailor content to cultural context and health literacy levels
- Integrate Interpreting Services: Build real-time language support into digital workflows
- Test with Native Speakers: Ensure usability through community feedback and linguistic quality assurance
- Use Qualified Medical Linguists: Work with skilled professionals trained in healthcare interpreting, including medical terminology and cultural nuance
The Road Ahead
As digital health expands through wearable devices, AI chatbots, and personalized medicine, multilingual support must scale in parallel. But even as technology advances, it must be guided and enhanced by human expertise. Language access is not just about functionality—it’s about compassion, understanding, and trust.
Conclusion
If digital health is to fulfill its promise of global accessibility and improved outcomes, it must be designed with linguistic diversity in mind. From translation and interpreting to cultural localization, the language industry plays a pivotal role in building a future of healthcare that truly speaks to everyone. Healthcare leaders, tech developers, and language service providers must collaborate to ensure no patient is left behind due to language barriers.
Multilingual digital health isn’t optional. It’s the future and the future is here. Contact Bromberg’s team to get a quote