Hospital Pharmacists’ Perspectives on Communicating with Hearing-Impaired Patients in Pharmacy Settings: A Qualitative Study

Nasser M Alorfi,1,2 Fahad S Alshehri,1,2 Ahmed M Ashour,1,2 Saad M Wali,1 Ohood K Almuzaini,1 Bayan E Ainousah,3 Mohammed M Aldurdunji,4 Reem Hasaballah Alhasani,5 Beisan A Mohammad,6 Mashael A Alamri,6 Mohammed S Alharthi,7 Ghadah Khaled Yousuf,8 Mustfa Faisal Alkhanani,8 Nasser M Aldekhail9 1Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 2King Salman Center for Disability Research, Riyadh, 11614, Saudi Arabia; 3Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 4Pharmaceutical Practices Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 5Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; 6Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, PharmD Program, Fakeeh College for Medical sciences, Jeddah, 21461, Saudi Arabia; 7Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia; 8Biology Department, College of Sciences, University of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia; 9Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Sciences, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Nasser M Alorfi, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966500644261, Email [email protected]: Effective communication between hospital pharmacists and patients with disability is essential to ensure proper usage of prescribed medication, medication safety, and therapeutic outcomes. However, patients with hearing impairments encounter unique challenges that are often overlooked in pharmacy practice. There is limited evidence regarding how hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia address communication barriers with this patient group.Objective: To explore the experiences, challenges, and suggestions of hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia regarding communication with hearing-impaired patients in pharmacy settings.Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using an open-ended online survey distributed to hospital pharmacists across Saudi Arabia between April and May 2025. Twenty-six pharmacists responded to eight open-ended questions covering their experiences, training, communication barriers, and institutional support. Responses were analyzed thematically to identify key themes and insights.Results: Six major themes resulted from the analysis: (1) lack of formal training and preparedness, (2) limited direct experience with hearing-impaired patients, (3) communication barriers including time constraints and lack of tools, (4) suggestions for communication aids such as tablets and visual boards, (5) institutional responsibilities for training and infrastructure, and (6) pharmacists’ recommendations for inclusive service improvement. The findings highlight a critical gap in pharmacist training and system-level policies to support disability-inclusive communication in hospital pharmacy practice.Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia reported limited preparedness and suggested various practical solutions, including written communication tools and visual aids. Findings indicate opportunities for structured training and institutional support to enhance inclusive communication.Keywords: pharmaceutical care, medicines, pharmacy counseling, hearing impairment, disability, hospital pharmacists, communication barriers