Introduction
As practitioners dedicated to the well-being of children, it is crucial to leverage data-driven insights to enhance care for all patients, including those who are Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH). A recent critical review, titled Conceptual Model of Emergency Department Utilization among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Patients: A Critical Review, offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by DHH patients in emergency department (ED) settings. This blog explores how practitioners can apply these findings to improve outcomes and encourages further research in this vital area.
Understanding the Conceptual Model
The study presents a conceptual model that identifies predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors influencing ED utilization among DHH patients. By employing Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model, the research highlights factors such as communication barriers, health literacy, and systemic challenges that contribute to higher ED utilization rates among DHH individuals.
Key Insights for Practitioners
- Communication Barriers: DHH patients often face significant communication challenges in healthcare settings. Practitioners should prioritize the use of qualified interpreters and ensure that communication aids are readily available to facilitate effective interactions.
- Health Literacy: Enhancing health literacy among DHH patients is crucial. Practitioners can develop accessible health education materials, such as captioned videos and ASL resources, to empower patients with knowledge about their health and available services.
- Systemic Challenges: Addressing systemic barriers requires collaboration with healthcare administrators to implement policies that support the provision of necessary resources, such as interpreters and assistive technologies, to DHH patients.
Encouraging Further Research
While the conceptual model provides a foundation for understanding ED utilization among DHH patients, there is a need for further research to explore the nuanced experiences of this population. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in community-based participatory research, partnering with DHH individuals to identify additional factors and develop targeted interventions.
Conclusion
By integrating the insights from this research into practice, practitioners can significantly improve the healthcare experiences and outcomes for DHH patients. Emphasizing effective communication, enhancing health literacy, and addressing systemic challenges are key steps toward achieving health equity for this underserved population.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Conceptual Model of Emergency Department Utilization among Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Patients: A Critical Review.
