Deaf Rhetoric: An Ecology of Health Communication

This book provides guidance to healthcare professionals,hospital administrators,and medical interpreters in the US and internationally on better communicating with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) patients and sign language interpreters in healthcare settings. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using in-person interpreters vs. video remote interpreting (VRI) and highlights the importance of using appropriate interpreters for specific treatments. The author offers a new theoretical framework, an Ecology of Health Communication, to contextualize and analyze these preferences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 55 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book serves as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, hospital administrators, and medical interpreters in the United States (and internationally) seeking to enhance their communication with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) patients and sign language interpreters in healthcare settings. It provides a thorough overview of the healthcare communication challenges faced by healthcare professionals and D/HH patients, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing in-person interpreters versus video remote interpreting (VRI).

The advent of technology has led to a growing popularity of VRI among hospital administrators, resulting in a decrease in the number of in-person interpreting services. While this shift has brought about certain efficiencies, it has also had a negative impact on the quality of medical interpreting services and patient-provider communication. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this trend, particularly in the United States.

Recognizing the need for increased attention to this understudied aspect of access, the book is written by an international deaf researcher from Japan who utilizes American Sign Language (ASL) and English as non-native languages. The author's unique perspective and expertise contribute to the book's insightful analysis and recommendations.

The author's primary focus is on understanding the interpreting preferences of healthcare professionals and D/HH patients for critical and non-critical care in the United States. By employing an ecological framework, the book offers a novel theoretical framework called the Ecology of Health Communication. This framework encompasses five analytical dimensions: physical-material, psychological, social, spatial, and temporal. Through the use of this framework, readers gain a deeper understanding of how these dimensions influence healthcare professionals' and D/HH patients' interpreting preferences and ultimately impact treatment outcomes.

The book concludes by emphasizing the importance of selecting the most appropriate interpreter for specific treatments and allocating sufficient funds for in-person inter. It advocates for a holistic approach that considers the unique needs and preferences of both healthcare professionals and D/HH patients, ensuring that communication barriers are minimized and optimal care is delivered.

In summary, this book is a must-read for anyone involved in healthcare communication, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for improving communication with D/HH patients and sign language interpreters. Its interdisciplinary approach and comprehensive coverage make it an invaluable resource for professionals across the healthcare sector.

Weight: 147g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030962449
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022