Changing medical students’ attitudes to and knowledge of deafness: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background and aim Communication with healthcare professionals is challenging for those with hearing loss. This study aimed to determine the impact dedicated deaf awareness training could have on medical student’s attitudes to and knowledge of deafness, and to explore ways of incorporating deaf awareness training into the core undergraduate medical curriculum. Methods A validated questionnaire was used to measure attitudes to and knowledge of deafness in those taking an optional deaf awareness and basic sign language module for second year medical students compared to students who took another module. Previous students on this module were also contacted and asked to complete the same questionnaire. Focus groups with these students explored ways to incorporate deaf awareness training into the core undergraduate medical curriculum. Results After completing the module, students had a more positive attitude to deaf individuals ( p < 0.001), and higher knowledge scores ( p = 0.027) in comparison to the control group. Examination of data revealed a significant negative association between years since undertaking the module and attitudes score ( r = − 0.29, p = 0.04, n = 51), with no significant association for knowledge score ( r = 0.22, p = 0.11, n = 52). Focus groups suggested integrating deaf awareness training into existing undergraduate communication skills teaching, with the inclusion of deaf tutors. Conclusions This study indicates that incorporating a specialist module on deafness can improve attitudes to and knowledge of deafness. Importantly, this effect decreases over time, demonstrating the need for refresher training amongst junior doctors.

Assessing Medical Students’ Knowledge of the Deaf Culture and Community in Puerto Rico: A Descriptive Study.

“…It is also possible that these respondents had more awareness and exposure to the Deaf community because they had more clinical experience. Previous studies have reported the increase in knowledge scores for those who have completed sign language courses or education about the deaf community [22,23,27]. Gilmore et al reported that medical students who completed sign language courses had a higher knowledge score in the questionnaire assessment and a more positive attitude towards the Deaf culture community.…”

“…Students from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine were provided with a 4 hours deaf culture competency and ASL workshop, which showed increased knowledge and reported con dence in interacting with the Deaf community [22]. In a UK study, medical students who completed a deaf awareness and basic sign language module showed improved attitudes towards deaf individuals and higher knowledge scores than the control group [23]. This proved to be an effective mechanism for improving attitudes toward deaf individuals and improving student's knowledge; also, this indicated the value of dedicated deaf awareness training.…”

“…San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (SJBSM) is one of four LCME accredited medical schools in Puerto Rico with a majority Hispanic population. Education of Deaf culture within medical school curricula has been found in the literature [21,23,[25][26][27][28][29]; however, none have been speci cally reported in Puerto Rico. With an estimated 150,000 to over 200,000 hearing-impaired individuals on the island [3,30,31], knowledge of D&HH patients and their health care access for this community is important for future health professionals and poses a need for an investigation.…”

How to communicate with patients who are D/deaf or have hearing loss

“…While more research on technological aids to support D/deaf patients in healthcare settings is needed,4243 Deaf awareness training improves clinicians understanding of the needs of D/deaf patients 4445. In the UK, Deaf awareness training was recommended by the Department of Health in 200546 and, where possible, could form part of staff induction and ongoing mandatory training.…”

‘Sorry doctor….I didn’t hear that….’: phenomenological analysis of medical students’ experiences of simulated hearing impairment through virtual reality

“…Many educational advances have been made in preparing medical students to communicate effectively with patients who have hearing impairment. 11 However, training methods often fall short of providing medical students with a deep understanding of the experience of individuals living with hearing loss. 12 There can be a disconnect between what medical students learn and how they behave in practice.…”