Machine Translation or Interpreters? Survey in Emergency Departments of French-speaking Swiss Hospitals

This presentation shows the results of an online survey answered by doctors in emergency departments (ED) of French-speaking Swiss hospitals. Our goal was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the frequency of language barriers and to compare the use of machine translation (MT) with both ad hoc and professional interpreters. Responses were gathered between November 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024. The survey consisted of up to 77 questions separated into four symmetric sets of open- and close-ended questions on language barriers and three communication methods: professional interpreters, ad hoc interpreters, and MT. The answers show that, in French-speaking Swiss EDs, doctors often face language barriers, and machine translation is their main method of overcoming them. However, this method does not come close to using professional interpreters when we look at the trust levels of doctors and the limits they face when asking questions. Based on the knowledge that professional interpreters are less likely to be available than MT, we argue that training on the best practices when using MT should be implemented, to allow doctors to feel more confident when using this method.