Recorded presentation

Leah N. Algier, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5326 Fifth Ave, Apt #15, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, 412-682-2544, leah_md@yahoo.com

Background: Deaf consumers have difficulty establishing adequate communication with health care providers, obtaining confidential interpreting services and discussing delicate personal issues. Methods: Patients were recruited at Deaf community religious and social events within Pittsburgh, PA and asked to complete a written survey with standardizing questions regarding preferred and actual modes of communication in various health care settings. Satisfaction was determined on a five point pictorial scale, and barriers were established by close-ended questions describing specific scenarios. The responses were quantitatively analysed and conclusions drawn based on percentages. Results: Nearly all patients reported a preference to communicate via direct sign language or a sign language interpreter; however, few actually used either of these methods to discuss issues with their primary care physician. Most patients relied on written messages or translations of hearing relatives. Some specific barriers elicited by the questionnaire included withholding information because of embarrassment of disclosing facts to hearing relatives, avoiding asking questions because too technically difficult and parents who are deaf not being offered interpreters when their hearing children were patients. Conclusions: Improvement is needed for confidential and explicit medical care for deaf patients and their families. This can be accomplished through the availability of more qualified sign language interpreters or the use of other dependable means.

Learning Objectives:

• To document barriers, if any, faced by patients who are deaf or hard of hearing in obtaining health care.
• To quantify the level of satisfaction of patients who are deaf or HOH with their chosen mode of communication in various settings and regarding various topics.
• To establish what percentage of patients (or parents/guardians) who are deaf or HOH prefer interpreter services to other forms of communication in heath care settings for themselves and/or their family.
• To evaluate access to interpreters in various health care settings, especially for deaf parents of hearing children.

Keywords: Deaf Patients, Deaf

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation