[Communication with deaf patients in primary care: A scoping review]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Deaf Studies
• Primary Care Research

Background:

• Effective communication between general practitioners and deaf patients is crucial for equitable healthcare access.
• Current research indicates significant challenges and knowledge gaps in this area.
• The utilization of sign language and communication aids remains under-explored in general practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and analyze existing research on communication between general practitioners and deaf patients.
• To identify research gaps concerning sign language utilization and communication strategies in general practice.
• To provide a foundation for improving communication for deaf patients in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley (2005) methodology.
• Searches conducted across CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion of seven studies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods) involving deaf patients, general practitioners, and sign language interpreters.

Main Results:

• General practitioners demonstrate a paucity of knowledge in managing communication with deaf patients.
• Identified communication problems from both patient and practitioner perspectives.
• Strategies for improvement are inadequate, with infrequent use of qualified sign language interpreters in general practice.
• Communication aids are often unavailable or unsuitable, and untrained interpreters are sometimes employed.

Conclusions:

• Communication between general practitioners and deaf patients is frequently inadequate.
• There is a significant lack of reliable data on qualified sign language interpreter use in German general practice.
• Further research is imperative to address these communication barriers and enhance healthcare delivery for deaf individuals.