10/01/2020    

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

Tips for Treating Deaf Patients - Part 6

 

September is Deaf Awareness Month. These tips will help patients who are deaf have better medical experiences.

 

6. Language barriers

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  English is a second language for most deaf patients and a lot of medical terminology used does not exist in sign language. Try to use simple words to explain what is going on and try not to assume they understand everything that was said. This can go both ways especially when using pen and paper.


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  You may want to rephrase or summarize what they have written or said to ensure you understand what they are trying to convey or ask.


• 
  I like to have my patients "teach back" or summarize their understanding of what I have explained to them, especially if I have given them instructions about medications.

Source: Christine Marshall, MD, MBA, Physicians Practice [9/15/20]