The use of sign language interpreting services by medical staff in Dundee.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate awareness and use of the Sign Language Interpreting (SLI) service among doctors in Dundee and to look at reasons for use and non-use of this service.


METHODS
A Questionnaire study.


METHODS
Dundee.


METHODS
All General Practitioners and Hospital Consultants working in Dundee.


RESULTS
Sixty seven percent of General Practitioners and 55% of Consultants returned completed questionnaires. Only 38% and 60% respectively of these two groups were aware of the Sign Language Interpreting Service. Most doctors felt that using the SLI would reduce consultation time but only 18% and 24% have arranged this.


CONCLUSIONS
Previous reports into SLI services have looked at client need, service provision and use. This study has highlighted the lack of awareness that still exists with regard to the needs of the Deaf community during medical consultations. This has to be addressed not least in light of the disability discrimination act 1995.
Martin
S E
SE
University of Dundee.
Irwin
J
J
D003144:Communication Barriers; D003638:Deafness; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006302:Health Services Research; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D012606:Scotland; D012813:Sign Language; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires