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Physicians' attitudes and beliefs about deaf patients
E Ralston1, P Zazove, D W Gorenflo
1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0708, USA.
Summary
Physicians reported more communication difficulties and negative attitudes toward deaf patients compared to general patients. Many physicians were unaware of legal obligations to provide interpreters for deaf individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Health Disparities
- Physician Attitudes
Background:
- Reports suggest deaf individuals face challenges accessing medical care.
- Physician attitudes toward deaf patients were compared to those toward patients generally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate reports of healthcare access difficulties for deaf persons.
- To compare physicians' attitudes towards deaf patients versus the general patient population.
Main Methods:
- Physicians attending continuing medical education conferences received one of two questionnaires.
- Questionnaires assessed communication perceptions, patient attitudes, and knowledge about deaf individuals.
- One questionnaire focused on deaf patients; the other on patients in general.
Main Results:
- Physicians reported significantly greater communication difficulties with deaf patients.
- Attitudes indicated less trust, more patient difficulty understanding, and less comfort with deaf patients.
- No difference in knowledge about deaf people, but widespread ignorance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding interpreter obligations.
Conclusions:
- Physician-reported communication challenges and differing attitudes towards deaf patients were significant.
- Physicians demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding ADA requirements for interpreters.
- Further research is needed to link physician attitudes to the quality of care for deaf patients.