Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Assessment of Audio-Tactile Sensory Substitution Training in Participants with Profound Deafness Using the Event-Related Potential Technique
Published on: September 7, 2022
Silent connections: Radiographers' challenges and practices in supporting deaf patients
M A Ali1, M Rawashdeh2, M Zaitoun3
1Medical Imaging Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Introduction:
Effective communication is vital for equitable healthcare for deaf patients, especially in radiology. Radiographers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) face challenges like limited training and resources. This study explores practices, barriers, and training gaps, proposing strategies to enhance inclusive, patient-centred care for deaf individuals.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 radiographers in the UAE using a structured online questionnaire. Convenience and snowball sampling were employed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with significance at p ≤ 0.05.
Results:
The study found that 89.2 % of radiographers relied on visual and physical cues for communicating with deaf patients, while only 36.7 % reported proficiency in sign language p = 0.041. PhD holders indicated the highest awareness and usage of assistive tools, with 66.7 % reporting familiarity with accessibility technologies compared to 41.4 % of BSc holders. Barriers included limited training opportunities 19.2 % had access to sign language courses and resource constraints, which were identified as a significant challenge by 70.0 % of participants. Radiographers with over 10 years of experience were more likely to report successful interactions with deaf patients 92.9 %; p = 0.030 compared to less experienced counterparts.
Conclusion:
Radiographers demonstrated adaptability in their communication approaches but faced systemic challenges that hindered effective care for deaf patients. Addressing these gaps through targeted training, institutional policy enhancements and greater access to assistive technologies is crucial for advancing healthcare equity.
Impactions For Practice:
This study highlights the critical role of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in equipping radiographers with essential communication skills. CPD initiatives, such as sign language training and deaf awareness programs, must bridge current gaps and promote inclusive, patient-centred care.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...