Communicating with a Patient with Hearing Loss: Development of a Health Care Provider's Guide and Interprofessional Training

Abstract

Communication between a patient with hearing loss and a health care provider can be challenging and potentially contribute to poor health outcomes. This document describes an audiology doctoral project with clinical innovation emphasis on the development of a guide and interprofessional training for health care providers to communicate effectively with patients with hearing loss. A preliminary assessment of provider needs for training was followed by the development and implementation of an interprofessional training on hearing loss and communication strategies for the University of Arizona-St. Luke's Home Interprofessional Education and Practice Program (Spring, 2015). Additionally, video training segments on effective communication in a health care setting were developed. Evaluation of the interprofessional training included administration of pre- and post-training questionnaires (n = 11). Results indicated a significant change in trainee confidence levels in screening for hearing loss and the use of appropriate communication strategies for communicating with hard of hearing patients. These results support further development and research on hearing loss and communication training for health care curriculums, interprofessional education, and in-service training meetings. Implementation of communication trainings may lead to improved patient-provider communication, with positive impact on health care experiences and outcomes for patients with hearing loss.