Video Remote Sign Language Interpreting and Health Communication for Deaf Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Communication Studies
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Current interpretation services for Deaf patients using sign language are often inadequate.
• Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) offers a scalable solution to interpreter shortages and cost barriers.
• Limited research exists on how VRI impacts communication quality in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of VRI in improving communication outcomes between Deaf patients and physicians.
• To compare VRI with traditional communication methods like self-arranged interpretation, lip-reading, note-taking, and visual aids.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial was conducted in Colombia involving Deaf adults who use Colombian Sign Language.
• Participants were assigned to either an intervention group (VRI) or a control group (standard communication).
• Communication was assessed using the Doctor-Patient Communication scale, with blinded participants and healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• The study included 210 Deaf participants; 51.4% reported using VRI.
• VRI use was associated with increased patient self-expression (OR, 1.90; P=.02).
• No significant difference was found in patient understanding of the physician (OR, 1.33; P=.28) between groups.

Conclusions:

• VRI partially improved clinical communication for Deaf patients but did not enhance all aspects.
• The effectiveness of VRI is contingent upon meeting specific critical preconditions.
• Further research is needed to optimize VRI implementation in healthcare for improved patient-provider communication.