ZorgBeter

This study investigates the nature and extent of communication problems between hearing physicians and their deaf or hard-of-hearing patients. Thirty-two deaf and hard-of-hearing patients and their general practitioners were asked to fill in questionnaires regarding communication during the consultations. The authors were interested in (i) the physicians’ evaluation of their ability to explain the diagnosis and treatment to the patient; (ii) the patients’ evaluation of the degree to which they understand the information supplied by the physician; and (iii) the rating given by the physicians and patients regarding the quality of communication. They were also interested in factors that might influence the communication. In this context, the authors discuss linguistic and cultural issues and address the role of interpreting services. The results indicate that there are worrying problems in the communication between (general) practitioners and their deaf and hard-of-hearing patients. The nature of these communication problems is comparable to those previously described for the interaction between general practitioners and patients from an ethnic minority group.

Purpose: Patient groups and healthcare workers report that people who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH), have poorer health and wellbeing. The aim of this study is to gain insight into the health of DHH people in the Netherlands. Methods: The physical and mental health of participants was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life- Bref scale (WHOQoLBREF). Participants filled out an epidemiological questionnaire and questions about the mode of language they generally use. All questionnaires were translated into two versions of Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT) according to a forward- backward translation protocol, a written version and a sign supported Dutch (SSD) version of the questionnaire were also provided. Results: The questionnaires were completed by 274 DHH people. Both deaf and hard of hearing people, regardless of the age of onset, reported having poorer physical health than their hearing peers. Hard of hearing people reported more psychological difficulties than control group. Conclusions: It is important that DHH people are recognized as a patient group with specific health problems. More research into the nature and effects of this specific health problems is needed. The creation of more awareness of these health problems among DHH people and their healthcare workers essential.

Context: To allow a medical consultation to proceed successfully, it is essential that physicians are aware of the linguistic and cultural backgrounds of deaf and hard of hearing individuals (DHH) and related communication aspects. Some specialised healthcare facilities have emerged to respond to the specific needs of people who are DHH. Objective: This study aims to provide insight into the various types of general healthcare facilities available for DHH individuals. By sharing and comparing experiences and results improvements can be made. Design, Data Sources and Study selection: A systematic review of the literature on specialised healthcare for DHH people was performed. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL and Embase. After independent extraction per article by two readers, fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. As it appeared that not all existing locations of facilities of which we were aware were described in the literature, we expanded the data collection with internet searches, specific literature searches and unstructured interviews. Results: Some countries have developed facilities to meet the needs DHH people Experts and patients' groups report that the perceived quality of healthcare and health education in specialised healthcare settings is higher compared to regular healthcare settings. Two projects undertaken to improve the health related knowledge level of DHH people, proved to be effective. Conclusion: Some facilities or combinations of facilities are used in different countries to attempt to meet the needs of DHH patients. These facilities are rarely described in the scientific literature. Further development of specialised healthcare facilities for DHH patients, which should include high quality studies on their effectiveness, is imperative to comply with medical ethical standards and respect the human rights of DHH people. C om m unication , H ealt h, D eaf, H ard of heari ng, H ealthcare

Approximately 1 child in 1,000 is deaf or severely hard of hearing from birth, and the prevalence rises to about 1.6 per 1,000 in adolescents. Providing medical care for this group of children poses special challenges for professionals. To allow a medical consultation to proceed successfully and to the satisfaction of the patient, it is essential that physicians are aware of the different linguistic and cultural background of these patients. Healthcare workers should be aware of the possible higher incidence of comorbidities, sexual abuse and (psycho)social problems, of the possible pitfalls in obtaining informed consent and higher frequency of medical mistakes. This review describes the communication challenges and medical, ethical and legal issues a physician can experience when faced with these patients.

Specialized psychological and psychiatric health care for deaf and hard of hearing clients has emerged during the last 50 years. It has long been known that deaf and hard of hearing clients are often mis-diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, but little scientifi c attention has been paid to the tests used with this group. Although these clients may have poor spoken-language skills and a different (cultural) background from mainstream clients, regular diagnostic tests are used even in specialized settings.

Specialized psychological and psychiatric health care for deaf and hard of hearing clients has emerged during the last 50 years. It has long been known that deaf and hard of hearing clients are often misdiagnosed with psychiatric disorders, but little scientifi c attention has been paid to the tests used with this group. Although these clients may have poorspoken-language skills and a different (cultural) background from mainstream clients, regular diagnostic tests are used even in specialized settings.