AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE DEAF SEEKING HEALTHCARE IN URGENT CARE

Deaf and hard of hearing individuals have not attained equal access to healthcare as their hearing counterparts, although the federal government has created laws ensuring equal healthcare accessibility. Inadequate communication between healthcare professionals and the person who is Deaf and hard of hearing offers many hurdles for this population to overcome. With the increased cost of health care and limited Deaf interpreters, communication technology systems have emerged to help bridge the communication gaps. This paper aims to evaluate communication disparities between the Deaf and hard of hearing with their provider in urgent care and to encourage providers in their role as an agent of change. Based on the literature review, this project created and distributed a standard operations protocol, an online pre- and post-survey, a provider interpersonal communication/self-reflection/awareness instrument, and a two-minute video among providers. An overall increase in providers' response was noted, and their eagerness to discuss language barriers was achieved. The results indicated that providers want to work to change the communication disparities between patients who are Deaf or hard of hearing seeking healthcare. Although the sample size was limited, the results were encouraging.