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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Elderly deaf patients' health care experiences
1Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
Elderly Deaf adults face significant healthcare barriers, including communication difficulties and provider unpreparedness. Improving provider communication strategies can enhance care and the physician-patient relationship for this population.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Public Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Deafness is often viewed solely as a pathology, overlooking the cultural and linguistic aspects of the Deaf community.
- Medical education may not adequately prepare physicians to address the unique needs of deaf patients.
- This study focuses on the healthcare experiences of elderly Deaf adults in Richmond, Virginia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the healthcare experiences of elderly Deaf adults.
- To identify barriers and challenges faced by this population in accessing healthcare.
- To inform recommendations for improved healthcare delivery.
Main Methods:
- Focus groups were conducted with elderly Deaf individuals.
- Sign language communication was real-time voice-interpreted for recording and transcription.
- Transcripts were analyzed using an editing style with participant feedback incorporated.
Main Results:
- Participants encountered practical barriers in healthcare, such as appointment scheduling and provider communication.
- Concerns were raised about providers being ill-prepared to care for Deaf patients.
- Participants perceived potential subtle obstacles due to prejudice and appeared resigned to their circumstances.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers and staff can improve care for Deaf patients through enhanced communication methods.
- Recommendations include utilizing telephone-assisted communication, qualified interpreters, and basic lip-reading or sign language skills.
- Implementing these strategies can significantly improve the care of Deaf patients and strengthen the physician-patient relationship.
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