Deaf and hard-of-hearing patients are unsatisfied with and avoid German health care: Results from an online survey in German Sign Language.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Approximately 235,000 deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) people live in Germany. Due to communication barriers, medical care for this group is difficult in many respects. Especially in the case of acute illnesses, the possibilities of communication, e.g., through sign language interpreters, are limited. This study investigates the satisfaction of DHH patients with medical care in Germany in unplanned medical consultations. The aim of this study is to provide insights into DHH patient's perception of medical care, to identify barriers and avoidance behaviours that stem from fears, miscommunication, and prior experiences.

Methods

We obtained data from adult DHH participants between February and April 2022 throughout Germany via an online survey in German Sign Language.

SUBMITTER: Rannefeld J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10583338 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature