Volentia
Advancing equity in healthcare through language interpretation
Our name, Volentia, is derived from the Latin word “benevolentia”, meaning good will. At Volentia, we believe that good will is about integrity, generosity, courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people. Kindness towards others begins with empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. In the healthcare domain, empathy is about recognizing and validating a patient’s fear, anxiety, pain, and worries.
Why is empathetic communication important in healthcare?
Empathetic communication is one of the most important skills to have as a clinician and is therefore key to fostering a better medical culture. Research has shown that physician empathy is associated with decreased malpractice cases, increased patient satisfaction, better adherence to medications, and improved patient health outcomes. Indeed, empathetic communication advances humanism in healthcare.
What if empathetic communication is jeopardized by a language barrier?
Studies show that physicians are less empathetic towards patients who have a limited English proficiency compared to English-speaking patients. Medical interpreters serve to bridge this gap between patient and physician by overcoming these linguistic barriers. As a matter of fact, research reports improved communication, satisfaction, and quality of care for patients with limited English proficiency when interpreters are used.
Our Mission
Volentia is pushing for a more equitable medical culture by providing patients and clinics with interpreter services, at no cost.
Despite the important role that interpreters play, they remain underutilized in healthcare. While public hospitals may have funds for professional interpreters, hiring interpreters may be more challenging for private clinics. The cost of hiring an interpreter may also pose a financial barrier for patients, especially low-income immigrants. At Volentia, we believe that there should not be barriers to receiving culturally competent care. Thus, our mission is to advance the state of equitable healthcare in Canada by providing interpreter services to both patients and clinics, at no cost. Compassionate and empathetic care starts with a clear line of communication between physicians and their patients. Volentia bridges this communication gap, ultimately fostering a more equitable medical culture.
Contact Us
Ultimately, our work at Volentia is more than just medical interpretation, it’s about advance the state of equity in healthcare through ensuring equitable access to culturally competent care.
If you are a patient or clinic looking to learn more about our services, please do not hesitate to contact us through email or through this forum.
email: ubcvolentia@gmail.com
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