Telehealth has transformed healthcare, but challenges still persist for many deaf patients, resulting in an inequitable gap of services and care. In a recent interview, DeafHealth explained the experiences and consequences of existing telehealth services:  

1. Lack of captioning and interpreter options: Many telehealth platforms do not offer captioning or the ability to add an interpreter, making it impossible for deaf individuals to fully participate in appointments. 

2. Difficulty in scheduling appointments: Deaf patients may encounter challenges scheduling appointments, as some healthcare providers may not be familiar with or able to use video relay services and other accommodations. 

3. Inadequate support: Deaf patients may experience abrupt appointment cancellations or changes, difficulties in contacting healthcare providers, and a lack of responsiveness to their needs. 

 
As a result, patients can avoid seeking care. One deaf patient put it simply: “being hung up on like that and unable to fully participate with my doctor was demeaning. What happened to me is a very common experience for deaf and hard of hearing individuals seeking telehealth services and a large reason why we avoid it.”  

Check it out:

https://www.kxxv.com/news/national/challenges-with-telehealth-persist-for-deaf-patients-and-others

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