OVERVIEW
Communication is the most important aspect of the doctor/patient relationship. Beyond the clear exchange of ideas and information, good communication requires the recognition of different cultural norms and mutual respect between patient and physician.
Although hearing loss is a common occurrence (an estimated 22M people in the US are affected), few healthcare providers have a good understanding of hearing loss, Deaf culture, sign language, or the many problems that can occur when a deaf or hard of hearing (d/hoh) patient and an unprepared healthcare provider try to form a productive working relationship.
Too often d/hoh individuals are forced to receive healthcare from individuals with whom they cannot communicate, in situations that violate even the most basic interpretation of patient confidentiality, legal requirements, and ethical standards. Under such circumstances, patients are unable to provide "informed consent," and the physician cannot provide appropriate, ethical care.
This problem is particularly acute in Rochester, NY. We have the largest per capita population of deaf and hard of hearing people in the world -- roughly 1 out of every 25 Rochesterians uses sign language as their preferred means of communication. It is critical for our local healthcare providers -- including medical students -- to have a basic understanding of hearing loss and how it can affect healthcare delivery.
In addition, many healthcare providers hold negative stereotypes of physical disabilities and disabled individuals, including people affected by hearing loss. These stereotypes can affect the doctor/patient relationship, the quality of care delivered to these patients, and the expectations of both doctor and patient.
All of these factors -- communication barriers, lack of mutual understanding, and prejudice -- significantly reduce the quality of care offered to deaf and hard of hearing people.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE
PAH, MD (Promoting Awareness in Healthcare, Medical and Deaf) was created to lessen the current void between deaf and hard of hearing individuals and the medical community. Medical students, hearing and deaf healthcare providers, deaf healthcare recipients, interpreters, and advocates have become involved in the PAH chapters.
Started in 1995 at The Medical College of Virginia, chapters now exist at MCV, Tufts University, the University of Virginia, and the University of Rochester.
It is the aim of PAH, MD to:
Educate the medical community about the unique issues and responsibilities in providing effective health care to deaf and hard of hearing people, and to promote a basic understanding of Deaf culture, sign language, and hearing loss.
Engage medical students and healthcare providers in cooperative projects with members of the local Deaf and hard of hearing communities to disseminate healthcare information and increase the awareness of d/hoh individuals' rights and responsibilities in healthcare settings.
Encourage deaf and hard of hearing individuals to consider careers in medicine and other healthcare professions through career awareness programs and other efforts.
WHAT'S IN OUR NAME?
The acronym PAH, MD (Promoting Awareness in Healthcare, Medical and Deaf) was selected because it has relevant meanings in both English and American Sign Language (ASL). PAH! is an ASL expression which means "success", "at last", "finally" and other similar thoughts. MD signifies the project's involvement with the medical community.
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Rev. 9/14/97