Bendigo Health On-Demand Auslan Interpreting (BODI)
What is the Bendigo Health On-Demand Auslan Interpreting (BODI) trial?
It's an on-demand, digital Auslan interpreting services that gives healthcare staff and patients immediate access to an Auslan (Australian Sign Language) interpreter.
This service will operate on Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm for an 8-week trial, commencing on 10th January 2025.
Staff and patients will have access to an iPad which will connect directly to an Auslan interpreter who will then answer the call in no more than three minutes.
When will BODI be used?
Whenever a staff member or a patient wants to communicate with each other. They will not have to wait for an Auslan interpreter to be booked.
Conversations using BODI will be limited to approximately 15 mins. For longer or more in-depth conversations, an Auslan interpreter will need to be present in person.
The app is a great tool for bridging the communication gap until an Auslan interpreter arrives on-site or is available for video remote interpreting (VRI).
Through the app, Auslan users and hospital staff will no longer have to wait for an interpreter to be available; every single interaction during a hospital visit can now be interpreted.
More informed consumers & more informed hospital staff = better decision making = better health outcomes.
When should I use BODI?
Whenever you need to communicate with a patient who uses Auslan. You do not need to wait for an interpreter to be booked.
When should I book an Auslan interpreter? (Face-to-face or VRI)
When a patient is pre-booked for an appointment (e.g. outpatients)
Conversations regarding significant healthcare decisions, including treatment.
Having an Auslan interpreter pre-booked via face-to-face or VRI will provide the Auslan user an opportunity to ensure they are able to understand and to ask questions they may have.
Accessing Auslan interpreters is a basic human right for all deaf and hard of hearing people, particularly when accessing the healthcare system.
Who should use BODI?
All staff in the hospital - administration, allied health, doctors, nurses, and patient services.
How will BODI work?
BODI will be available as an app on iPads in the hospital. It looks like this:
