title: Communicating effectively with deaf patients.
abstract: This article explores the communication needs of deaf patients who use British Sign Language as their first or preferred language. It would appear that these needs are not being met, particularly in acute hospital settings. Practical advice is provided for nurses to improve the quality of care that deaf patients receive.
authors.affiliation: Eye/ear, Nose and Throat Theatres, Queen's Medical Centre, University Hospital NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK. monica.mcaleer@qmc.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McAleer
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003638:Deafness / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D028701:Patient Rights; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012813:Sign Language; D017749:Total Quality Management