Related Experiment Videos
Managing Communication Challenges in Mental Health Care by Using Mobile Translation Apps: Protocol for a
Annika Kreienbrinck1,2, Saskia Hanft-Robert1,3, Muhammed-Talha Topçu1,2
1Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
JMIR Research Protocols
|June 19, 2026
Summary
This pilot study evaluates mobile translation apps for mental health care, aiming to improve communication for patients with limited language proficiency. Findings will guide future research on technology-assisted multilingual mental health services.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Mental Health Services Research
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Language barriers significantly impede mental health care quality and diagnostic accuracy.
- Limited availability of multilingual mental health care providers (MHCPs) necessitates alternative communication solutions.
- Mobile translation apps show potential but their usability in mental health settings is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of a mobile translation app in supporting MHCPs during mental health assessments with non-native speakers.
- To evaluate the app's usability, communication effectiveness, translation accuracy, and impact on nonverbal interaction.
- To determine the feasibility of recruitment, data collection, and resource allocation for a larger trial.
Main Methods:
- A simulation-based, mixed-methods pilot study involving 12 German-speaking MHCPs and 2 Turkish-speaking standardized service users.
- Utilizing the Mabel mobile translation app for real-time translation during simulated 30-minute consultations.
- Collecting data through video/audio recordings, app usage metrics, questionnaires, and interviews, analyzed via descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Study enrollment and data collection are scheduled to commence in May and July 2026, respectively.
- Preparatory work, including scenario and materials development, is nearing completion.
- Current status indicates no participants enrolled as of March 2026; results will be published later.
Conclusions:
- This pilot study is expected to yield preliminary data on the usability and feasibility of mobile translation applications in mental health care.
- Findings will inform the design and implementation of a larger-scale study on technology-assisted multilingual mental health support.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
02:07Improving Translational Accuracy
Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...
01:23Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
Focusing involves centering a conversation on a message's critical elements or concepts. Focusing is valuable if the talk is vague or patients begin to repeat themselves. Sometimes, when patients are asked about their symptoms, they may go off-topic and try to tell their entire life story. Respectfully, the nurse should bring the conversation back into focus.
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...