GPs need to communicate better with deaf patients (From Messenger Newspapers)

GPs need to communicate better with deaf patients

8:20pm Sunday 27th January 2013 in News

ACTION on Hearing Loss is calling on GPs across to Trafford to ensure they communicate in ways that meet the needs of patients with hearing loss.

The charity has carried out national research, which found that 28 per cent of respondents had been unclear about a diagnosis during an appointment.

The charity said that patients attributed the misunderstandings to their GPs not facing them, or not speaking clearly.

Paul Breckell, chief executive of Action on Hearing Loss said: “It’s disappointing that many people with hearing loss have difficulty understanding vital health advice because GPs aren’t meeting individual communication needs.

“With deaf awareness training and simple changes, GPs can provide a much better service for patients who are deaf or hard of hearing and help avoid unnecessary follow-up appointments or the risk of exacerbated poor health.”