“As a refugee crisis, the Black Forest-Baar district had to take in up to 6,000 refugees from various countries until a few months ago. Every day, the influx of refugees also grew into the central emergency department of the Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum. However, communication with the patients was hardly possible, as there were hardly any people from the clinic’s interpreting pool who could communicate in the languages concerned. For a good and adequate diagnosis, however, a correct medical history survey is hardly possible and this is however the prerequisite of any medical action. Video interpreting has filled this gap and both doctors and patients are enthusiastic about this form of communication. In the meantime, the tool is used for visits and educational activities throughout the clinic and has become indispensable in everyday life.”

Dr. Bernhard Kumle, Director Central Emergency Department