Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Versus Human-Mediated Clinical Interpretations and Translations for Clients With Acquired Communication Disorders in Diverse Populations: Reasons Why and What to Consider

Purpose: Clinical interpretation and translation involve accurately and effectively conveying information between health care providers and patients who do not share the same language—specifically, when the patient speaks a different language than the provider. The current use of artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted services in speech-language pathology is gaining momentum and showing great promise. AI technology is being leveraged to improve various aspects of speech-language therapy, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes tracking. At the time of writing this article, four review papers have been published to examine the current status of integrating AI into the daily clinical management of aphasia. Another review paper also summarized the application of AI in dementia research. Interestingly, none of them touched on the potential role AI may play in clinical interpretations and translations. The aim of this article is to contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing AI in interpretations and translations for individuals with acquired communication disorders in diverse populations. Discussions will also be centered around ways to contribute to the advancement of AI-powered solutions that enhance communication, leading to improved health care experiences for individuals with diverse communication requirements in clinical environments. Conclusions: At present, it is believed that AI has the potential to supplement interpreters and translators in the delivery of clinical services to diverse populations with acquired communication disorders. AI systems can process large amounts of data quickly, enabling faster communication and decision making in patient care. However, the effectiveness of AI depends on the context and the specific needs of the clients. The issues related to data privacy and security become prominent when using AI tools, particularly in regard to managing sensitive health information, should not be overlooked. Combining AI tools with human expertise may offer a balanced approach, leveraging the strengths of both to provide high-quality, accessible, and culturally competent care.