The study had 20 native speakers assess 400 frequently used emergency room discharge instructions in seven common languages: Chinese, Armenian, Korean, Farsi, Spanish, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
Here are four findings to know:
1. Google Translate statements were 94 percent accurate when translated to Spanish, the highest of any language tested.
2. When translated to Armenian, 55 percent of statements were accurate, the lowest of any language tested.
“You can take over-the-counter ibuprofen as needed for pain,” was translated in Armenian to, “You make take anti-tank missile as much as you need for pain.”
3. Chinese translations, including Cantonese and Mandarin, were accurate 81.7 percent of the time. Volunteers mentioned differences between traditional and modern Chinese writing systems and the potential harm they may cause.
4. Tagalog had a 90 percent accuracy rate, Vietnamese 77.5 percent, Korean 82.5 percent and Farsi 67.5 percent.
To read the full report, click here.
More articles on health IT:
How UConn Health, Novant Health are fixing tech glitches with vaccine appointment sites
Lawsuit alleges Kroger left employee, customer data vulnerable before breach
16 hospitals, health systems seeking Allscripts, Cerner, Epic, Meditech talent
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.