Raising HCAs' awareness of the healthcare provision needs of people living with hearing loss

Abstract

It is established that access to healthcare services is an important indicator of health inequalities, as well as a contributing cause. In this respect, the deaf population, which consists of Deaf, deaf, hard of hearing or deafened, is more likely to experience worse health outcomes than the general population. Examining the barriers that face deaf people seeking to access healthcare services in the UK is one means of addressing issues and raising awareness for HCAs. A review of literature in the field reveals that deaf people face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, in the context of limited provision of sign language interpreters, inadequate deaf awareness of health professionals and reception staff and booking appointments. The deaf population faces barriers to access healthcare services, which has an adverse impact on their health and wellbeing. Accessing healthcare without barriers is an important right for those with disabilities, so it follows that concerted efforts need to be maintained to allow deaf people to achieve equality of access in health. Healthcare assistants play a pivotal role in improving this situation, first by being able to support people with hearing loss in their everyday interactions with them in healthcare practice and second by raising awareness of those around them.