Key points. MyVaak is a communication aid, not a qualified interpreter. All clinical decisions stay with the clinician. MyVaak has not been assessed or registered as a medical device. In an emergency, call 111.
1. What MyVaak does
MyVaak plays a fixed set of 29 structured questions to a patient in their language, records the patient’s yes/no answers (plus a body map, timeline and 0-10 pain scale), and builds an English note. Some answers are grouped as "review first" or "notable" using fixed rules shown on the How It Works page, so the clinician can see them quickly.
MyVaak does not diagnose, interpret symptoms, recommend treatment, or decide how urgent a patient is. Grouping an answer is not a clinical assessment, and an answer that is not grouped may still be important.
2. Not a substitute for a qualified interpreter
Under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights, patients have the right to effective communication, including an interpreter where necessary and reasonably practicable. MyVaak helps in the first minutes of contact - for example with walk-ins, after hours, or while waiting for an interpreter. It does not meet the need for an interpreter where one is reasonably available.
Always use a qualified interpreter for informed consent, mental health assessment, complex or sensitive history, breaking bad news, and any situation that needs a two-way conversation.
3. When not to use MyVaak
- An immediate life-threatening emergency - call 111 and follow your emergency procedures.
- A mental health crisis or acute psychiatric presentation.
- Patients who are unresponsive, severely distressed, or cannot reliably answer yes or no. In aged care and dementia, use only with a carer or family member supporting the patient.
- Young children who cannot reliably answer yes or no - involve a parent or guardian and an interpreter.
4. Regulatory status
MyVaak has not been assessed, certified or registered as a medical device by Medsafe or any other regulator. Please do not describe it to patients or colleagues as a certified or regulated medical device.
5. Translations and clinical review
Translations have been produced with a mix of native speakers and machine-assisted drafting, and native-speaker review is not yet complete for every language. Review of the English question set by our Clinical Advisory Panel is under way, and MyVaak has not been through a clinical trial.
Languages vary by region and dialect, so a question may be unfamiliar to some speakers. If the patient seems unsure, stop and arrange an interpreter. Please report any translation problem to info@myvaak.co.nz.
6. Audio
Some languages use recordings by native speakers; others use the text-to-speech voice built into the device, whose quality varies between devices and browsers. Test on your own devices before use. The question is always shown on screen in the patient’s language as well.
7. The clinical note
The note records what the patient answered to scripted questions. It is not a diagnosis and is not produced by a clinician. Review it alongside your own assessment before adding it to the patient’s record, and add your own observations.
8. Availability
MyVaak needs an internet connection and may occasionally be unavailable. Keep your usual communication options ready in case of a technical problem.
9. Liability
Responsibilities and limits of liability are set out in our Terms of Service. Nothing on this website is medical, legal or regulatory advice.
Questions: info@myvaak.co.nz.