Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.11608/sgnj.28.2.5

Communication with deaf and deafblind patients during diagnostic and therapeutic procedure implementation

Andrijana Rajič ; Specijalna bolnica za plućne bolesti, Rockefellerova 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Republika Hrvatska
Jelena Mijatović ; Zavod za intenzivnu medicinu, Jedinica intenzivne skrbi, KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Vinogradska ulica 29, 10 000 Zagreb, Republika Hrvatska

Abstract

Quality health care, information, and education about health and quality of life belong to basic human needs and rights and are based on adequate communication.
From an early age, when we rely on our speech and when independence is expected of us in performing basic activities, we adopt a pattern while solving health issues and other difficulties. Establishing an accurate diagnosis and finding the path to solve a health problem is difficult if the health professional does not receive the necessary information from the patient. This problem reduces trust in the relationship between the patient and healthcare professional and calls into question the bioethical perspective in the healthcare profession. Deaf and deaf-blind people also face the problem of communication barriers when they receive health care in Croatia. Inadequate education of healthcare personnel about appropriate ways of communicating with people with impaired audio-visual systems contributes to superficial healthcare treatment, social isolation of this significant group of users of the Croatian healthcare system, and the violation of autonomy and acceptance of deaf and deaf-blind people. Although according to legal regulations, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, deaf and deaf-blind people have the right to the same quality of health care as hearing people, practice shows a different reality. What to a hearing person looks like progress and relief in the technical part of the hospital system: notifications, educational materials, infrastructure, lighting, communication channels (Internet, telephone...), same can be a problem and a burden to a deaf and deaf-blind person. Although, with good will, effort and commitment, even this barrier can be removed, and the quality of life of one significant group of people can be greatly improved.

Keywords

deaf; deaf-blind; bioethics; communication; health care quality; education

Hrčak ID:

307243

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/307243

Publication date:

17.8.2023.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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