Dialogue Volume 12 Issue 2 2016 | Page 33

practice partner a family physician in Vancouver and a 2nd year dermatology resident at UBC. She says by exploring what suits a patient who is deaf or hard of hearing, doctors can employ a range of communication strategies.“ When in doubt, ask,” says Dr. Dunkley.“ This can be a therapeutic approach in giving your patient the confidence to speak for themselves, or share their experiences.” As part of office protocol, consider guidelines on how to deal with patients with hearing loss, so all staff feel confident about communicating effectively. Mark patient notes / files with accessibility symbols to inform other staff. Perhaps schedule longer than usual appointments, to allow extra time for interpretation or double-checking comprehension. Many of these strategies simply mirror
Dr. Jessica Dunkley
photo: michael sean lee photography
Do facilitate speech-reading( for patients who can) by facing the patient. Avoid placing objects in front or your face, turning away while speaking, or sitting in a poorly-lit room.“ Take caution in assuming all deaf and hard of hearing people can speech-read, as only a fraction of the English language can be captured this way and relies on previous speechreading training,” says Dr. Dunkley.
Don’ t address the interpreter if one is being used( either an ASL interpreter or anyone else the patient brings along to assist).“ Devote your attention to the patient as you would with anyone else,” says Dr. Dunkley.
Don’ t engage in side conversations, which Banks says can be confusing to the patient, i. e., they may be unsure who you’ re talking to.
Do think of how else you can communicate, e. g., the computer or pen and paper. Use gestures( including pointing to body parts) or facial expressions to convey meaning or emotions. Consider how diagrams and visual aids can help too.
Do write down important information for the patient to leave with, i. e., their condition, medicine or treatment choices.
Issue 2, 2016 Dialogue 33