Why Language Access Matters in Pharmacies During American Pharmacists Month

We are heading into October, American Pharmacists Month, a time to celebrate the trusted professionals who stand at the forefront of patient care. Pharmacists do far more than dispense medication. They are educators, safety advocates, and a critical link between doctors and patients. Whether it’s catching a potentially dangerous drug interaction, explaining how a prescription should be taken, or offering advice on over-the-counter remedies, pharmacists play a key role in ensuring treatments are both effective and safe.

They are often the most accessible healthcare providers, available in local communities without the need for an appointment. For many patients, the pharmacist is often the first, and sometimes the only, professional they speak with when managing their medication regimen. That means their role is not just about filling prescriptions but about building trust, answering questions, and empowering patients to take charge of their health.

But what happens when language becomes a barrier? There are more than 25 million people in the United States who report speaking English less than “very well”. For these patients, even routine interactions at the pharmacy counter can become confusing or intimidating, and without clear communication, the risks of medication errors, missed doses, and poor adherence rise dramatically.

The Risks of Miscommunication for LEP Patients

For patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), even the simplest interaction at the pharmacy counter can become overwhelming. Medical terminology is already complex, and when layered with a language barrier, the potential for miscommunication rises dramatically. Unlike other service encounters, a mistake in this setting can have a direct impact on a person’s health and safety.

Some of the most common risks include:

• Missed doses occur when patients don’t fully understand how often or how much of a medication should be taken.
• Harmful errors caused by confusion over drug interactions, contraindications, or special instructions like “take with food” or “avoid alcohol.”
• Poor adherence can occur when patients fail to recognize the importance of completing a full course of treatment or lack confidence in the reason for a prescribed medication.

The impact of these misunderstandings can be severe — leading to worsened health conditions, avoidable hospitalizations, and in some cases, life-threatening outcomes. Research has found that patients facing language barriers are more likely to experience medication-related adverse events than English-proficient patients.

How OPI and VRI Support Pharmacists

Pharmacists don’t want communication barriers standing in the way of patient care. Their goal is to serve as many patients as possible with accuracy, safety, and trust. Over-the-phone Interpretation (OPI) and Video Remote Interpretation (VRI) provide fast, reliable solutions that eliminate language barriers and enable clear communication in any setting.

OPI connects a certified interpreter into the conversation within seconds, directly over the phone. It’s ideal for quick exchanges, such as confirming dosage instructions, checking allergies, or answering a simple question about side effects. For pharmacists working in busy community settings, OPI provides an efficient way to bridge language gaps without slowing down the workflow.

VRI goes one step further by combining audio with video, allowing patients and pharmacists to see the interpreter on-screen. This is especially valuable in sensitive or complex conversations, where non-verbal cues can reinforce understanding. VRI is also essential for serving Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) patients, who rely on American Sign Language (ASL) for accurate communication.

Why OPI and VRI Are a Smarter Choice for Pharmacies

Pharmacists gain multiple advantages with OPI and VRI:

• Deliver clear medication instructions that patients can follow confidently, thereby reducing the risk of misuse and improving adherence.
• Confirm patient understanding by asking questions and resolving any confusion in real-time, ensuring that no details are lost in translation.
• Provide an inclusive, equitable experience that builds trust, improves patient outcomes, and ensures every patient receives the same standard of care, no matter what language they speak.

Beyond patient safety, OPI and VRI also bring cost-saving and sustainable advantages for pharmacies. Unlike hiring a full-time interpreter, which can be costly and often limited to one or two languages, OPI and VRI offer on-demand access to 200+ languages, only when needed. This keeps costs predictable and efficient, without sacrificing quality or availability.

These tools are also more sustainable. Without the need for interpreters to travel onsite, pharmacies reduce their environmental footprint while still delivering immediate, professional language access. It saves time, conserves resources, and scales easily to meet the needs of busy pharmacies serving diverse populations.

How DTS Supports Pharmacists with 24/7 Language Access

As we celebrate American Pharmacists Month, it’s essential to recognize that clear communication is at the heart of safe, effective care. DTS Language Services makes this possible with 24/7 access to on-demand interpretation in over 200 languages.

With a network of more than 4,000 professional linguists, DTS delivers accurate, culturally sensitive interpretation that meets the high standards of medical and pharmaceutical care. Whether explaining complex medication instructions, discussing treatment plans, or verifying insurance details, DTS ensures nothing gets lost in translation.

For pharmacies and healthcare providers, OPI and VRI are more than tools to overcome language barriers. They’re investments in patient safety, workflow efficiency, and sustainability. By partnering with DTS, pharmacists can concentrate on what truly matters: protecting patients, building trust, and improving the health of their communities.