Breaking Language Barriers in Pharmacies with Technology

  • Boots trials in-store interpretation service for non-English speaking patients
  • US firm Voyce provides the service in five UK stores
  • Interpreters available for over 245 languages
  • Service accessible via in-store iPads
  • Part of Boots’ plans to streamline pharmacy offerings

Health and beauty retailer Boots is testing an interpretation service to assist non-English speaking patients at five UK pharmacy locations. The service, provided by US company Voyce, allows for communication through in-store iPads that connect patients with interpreters fluent in over 245 languages. Richard Bradley, pharmacy director of Boots UK, stated, ‘Boots has been at the forefront of health innovation for 170 years.’ This pilot scheme demonstrates how technology can improve patient outcomes and help pharmacy teams overcome language barriers while enhancing their online prescription services.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and relevant information about Boots trialing an interpretation service for non-English speaking patients in five UK stores. It mentions the company providing the service (Voyce), the languages supported, and quotes from a representative of Boots. The information is not sensationalized or repetitive, and there is no indication of bias or personal perspective presented as fact.
Noise Level: 2
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant and useful information about a new trial by Boots to improve accessibility for non-English speaking patients. It is clear, concise, and stays on topic without diving into unrelated territories.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Boots is a major retailer in the health and beauty industry, so this trial could impact its reputation and potentially affect its stock price. The online prescription service may also influence competitors and the overall market.
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses a new service provided by Boots, which is a company in the health and beauty sector. This can have financial implications for the company itself and possibly its competitors, making it financially relevant.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme event mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk