Date of Publication
1-29-2025
Abstract
Background: The Vermont Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) Advisory Council estimates that 400 to 600 Vermonters are culturally deaf, with 12 to 20 identifying as deafblind. DHH individuals are nearly seven times more likely to have inadequate health literacy, contributing to higher rates of chronic conditions and lower healthcare satisfaction due to communication barriers. This project assessed University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) employees' perceptions of healthcare barriers for DHHDB patients and knowledge of accommodation services. Methods: Survey questions were developed based on literature on health access accommodations for DHHDB individuals. The survey was distributed via a poster QR code to UVMMC departments. Results: The survey received 81 responses from physicians, nurses, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, and front desk staff. Sixty percent reported interacting with DHHDB patients weekly, and 74% felt comfortable doing so. Over 80% were aware of clear masks, video remote interpreting (VRI), and in-person ASL interpreters. However, only 64% were aware of how to access in-person interpreters, 73% how to access VRI, and 14% how to access telehealth VRI connections. Awareness of tactile interpreters and patient portal alternatives was 5%. Additionally, 70% reported not receiving onboarding training for DHHDB services, though 86% expressed willingness to complete such training. Conclusion: The survey highlights gaps in awareness and use of DHHDB accommodations. While most respondents felt comfortable interacting with DHHDB patients, knowledge of resources was limited. Addressing these gaps through enhanced education and procedural improvements could improve healthcare delivery for this population.
Advisor(s)
Shamima Khan, MBA, PhD
Larner College of Medicine
Laura Siegel, MBA
Department of Disability, Aging and Independent Living
Agency
Department of Disability, Aging and Independent Living
Subjects
Health Care Access and Quality, Health Communication and Health Information Technology, Hearing and Other Sensory or Communication Disorders, People with Disabilities, Sensory or Communication Disorders
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 License
Recommended Citation
Badnjević, Lajla; Cannon, Marina; Galeas, Joselvin; Mirza, Hamza; Pendlebury, Elizabeth; Schiff, Lauren MS; Wakeman, Genevieve C.; and Young, Oliver, "Health Professionals' Awareness of Accommodations for Deaf/Hard of Hearing Patients at UVMMC" (2025). Public Health Projects, 2008-present. 334.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/334