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 |