How to help deaf and hearing impaired patients and staff through Covid

Summary of "How to help deaf and hearing impaired patients and staff through Covid"

Short Summary:

This video provides practical advice on how to effectively communicate with deaf and hearing impaired patients and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of clear communication, patience, and understanding. The video highlights the use of visual aids like whiteboards and speech-to-text applications, as well as the benefits of learning basic sign language. It also encourages staff to seek support from resources like the Pro Ability Network, Occupational Health, and the patient liaison service.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction and Importance of Communication

The video begins by emphasizing the importance of clear communication with deaf and hearing impaired individuals, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It highlights the challenges these individuals face in accessing information and receiving care.

Section 2: Tips for Effective Communication

The video provides specific tips for communicating with deaf and hearing impaired individuals:
- For patients: Wear a badge indicating hearing impairment.
- For staff: Wear a badge indicating willingness to communicate with hearing impaired individuals.
- General tips:
  - Say the person's name before speaking.
  - Signal to get their attention.
  - Reduce background noise.
  - Rephrase if misunderstood.
  - Speak clearly, a little louder than usual, and not too fast.
  - Avoid shouting, as it can cause discomfort and distortion for hearing aid users.
  - Use visual aids like whiteboards, paper, or speech-to-text applications.
  - Consider learning basic sign language.

Section 3: Resources and Support

The video encourages staff to seek support from various resources:
- Pro Ability Network
- Line manager
- Occupational Health team
- Patient liaison service (for booking sign language experts)

Section 4: Conclusion and Call to Action

The video concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the importance of working together to ensure effective communication with deaf and hearing impaired individuals.
The speaker emphasizes that "we're all in this together."

Notable Quotes:

"Please don't shout or over exaggerate your words."
"It is better to speak clearly, a little more loudly than usual and not too fast."
"You could learn some basic sign language."
"By following these tips we can help each other communicate better."
"We're all in this together."