Closed Captions and Transcripts for Video

Audience: all

Closed captions and transcripts make video content accessible to more people, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have learning differences. They provide a written version of spoken words and sounds, helping viewers understand and follow along. In telemedicine, using captions and transcripts ensures patients can fully engage with health information and consultations. These tools also support those who speak different languages or have limited internet bandwidth. This guide explains the benefits, how to use captions and transcripts effectively, and what to consider when creating or requesting them. While captions and transcripts improve communication, they do not replace the need for clear verbal communication or professional medical advice. Using these tools thoughtfully can enhance understanding and support better health outcomes for diverse patients.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• If a patient cannot understand key health information even with captions or transcripts, arrange for in-person or assisted communication support.
• If technical problems prevent access to captions or transcripts during a telemedicine visit, seek alternative communication methods or reschedule.
• If a patient shows signs of confusion or distress related to communication barriers, provide additional support or referral to appropriate services.

What telemedicine can do

• Providing video consultations with closed captions to improve accessibility.
• Sharing transcripts of health information videos for patient review.
• Supporting patients with hearing difficulties through captioned telehealth content.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating medical conditions solely through video captions or transcripts.
• Replacing the need for professional sign language interpreters when required.
• Ensuring full comprehension without direct patient-provider communication.

What Are Closed Captions and Transcripts?

Closed captions are text displayed on a video that shows the spoken words and important sounds like [doorbell] or [music playing]. Transcripts are written versions of all the spoken content and sounds from a video, usually in a separate document. Both help people follow along with video content more easily.

Why Are They Important in Telemedicine?

In telemedicine, clear communication is essential. Closed captions and transcripts help patients who are deaf or hard of hearing understand consultations and health information. They also assist people who speak different languages or have trouble hearing due to background noise or poor audio quality. Captions and transcripts can improve comprehension and reduce misunderstandings.

How to Use Captions and Transcripts Effectively

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Creating Accessible Video Content

When making videos for telemedicine:

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Captions and transcripts support communication but do not replace direct interaction with healthcare providers. They may not capture tone or nonverbal cues. Technical issues can affect caption quality. Always confirm patient understanding through conversation and follow-up questions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Confirm the video platform supports closed captions and transcripts.
• Test captions for accuracy and synchronization before the session.
• Provide patients with transcripts ahead of the telemedicine visit if possible.
• Ensure patients know how to enable captions on their devices.
• Prepare to explain or clarify information beyond what captions provide.

After your tele-visit

• Encourage patients to review transcripts after the session for better understanding.
• Ask patients if captions met their needs or if additional support is required.
• Provide alternative communication resources if captions were insufficient.
• Document any communication challenges encountered during the visit.
• Plan follow-up to address any questions or concerns raised.

FAQs

What is the difference between closed captions and subtitles?

Closed captions include not only spoken words but also important sounds and speaker identification, helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Subtitles typically show only spoken dialogue, mainly for viewers who do not understand the language.

Can I rely on automatic captions for medical videos?

Automatic captions can be helpful but often contain errors, especially with medical terms. It's best to use professionally created captions or review and correct automatic ones to ensure accuracy.

Are transcripts available in different languages?

Transcripts can be translated into different languages to improve accessibility. However, translations should be done carefully to maintain accuracy and clarity of medical information.

How do captions help patients with limited internet access?

Captions allow patients to follow video content even if audio quality is poor due to low bandwidth. Transcripts can be downloaded and read offline, providing flexibility in accessing information.

Do captions replace the need for sign language interpreters?

Captions support communication but do not replace professional sign language interpreters, who provide important cultural and linguistic access for many deaf individuals.

Sources

1. Health Literacy and Patient Education — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Accessibility and Usability of Health Information — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Captions and Transcripts for Video Accessibility — National Center on Deaf-Blindness.
4. Telehealth and Communication Accessibility — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).

This guide provides general information about using closed captions and transcripts in telemedicine. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition or communication needs.