Caring For Deaf Patients in a Medical Setting

Did you know that ASL- “American Sign Language” is the third most spoken language in the U.S.? We sat down with Mary Jane Grine, a CODA (child of a deaf adult) who began interpreting as young as she can remember for her mom. We learned so many heartwarming, funny, and not so funny stories about Mary Jane interpreting for her mom, which we may share in another blog or through our social media platform soon! It is no surprise, given her caring nature for her mom, that she has been working in higher education most of her adult life. Currently she is the Executive Assistant/Building Supervisor at Harvard Medical Library. Her lifelong firsthand experience offer a powerful window into what Deaf patients need during medical care, which she recently put to use by teaching Harvard students how to better work with Deaf patients in the medical setting.

1. Understand the common misconceptions about deaf people. For one, because they cannot hear themselves, they are not generally quiet. So, their voice can be loud and they slam doors, walk heavy footed, you name it. And while, they may not be able to hear, they feel and sense vibrations, which allows them to enjoy music and dancing, feeling the rhythm and beats very deeply. Since they cannot hear a lot around them, their other senses are hightened, which allow them to be good drivers. It’s also good to note, that masks can make things challenging, as many deaf individuals rely on lip reading and facial cues as part of their collective communication.
2. Position the patient, the doctor and interpreter correctly. Mary Jane suggests the “pizza slice” method. “Think of a pizza slice. Put your patient at the tip. The doctor and the interpreter should be side by side at the wide end, so the doctor is not distracted by the interpreter, and everyone is looking directly at the patient. There are cues other than sign language that are so important to see. If you are looking directly at them, you can see when your patient is confused, or upset, or scared, or understands what you are saying. Facial hair like mustaches can make lip reading harder, so keep that in mind.
3. Work with your interpreter, not around them. One of the most common mistakes is saying “Tell them x”, directing the interpreter instead of speaking directly to the patient. When you speak, the interpreter is already relaying everything in real time. Simply speak naturally to your patient and trust the process.
4. Use your phone while waiting for your interpreter. Did you know that deaf people basically invented texting? You can text back and forth with your patient, as it is simple and quick and more than anything, shows you’re genuinely trying to connect. This will help reduce stress, make the most of their time and yours and get the process started in a positive way.
5. Never use children as interpreters. If a Deaf patient arrives with a child, do not ask the child to interpret. The same applies for patients who use sign language. Childen should never carry the burden of relaying sensitive medical information. There are always better options for adults to navigatve communication barriers.
6. Encourage patient advocacy. Mary Jane closes with a reminder that goes beyond Deaf care, patient advocacy is for everyone. Every patient deserves to fully understand their care and feel heard. As pharmacy and healthcare professionals, our job is to make that possible through preparation, patience and effort.