Health is essential in every society, and millions of dollars are pumped into healthcare packages and facilities. The most common art of communication in a healthcare facility is listening and interpretation. These two elements are very essential that should any of them go wrong, it can be a matter of life and death. However, there is some part of the society that seems to have been forgotten. This is those with hearing impairment. Most hospitals and clinics are yet to have sign language interpretation for clinics in their facilities, thus making it very difficult for minority deaf community. Some of the advantages of having sign language interpretation for clinics are;
Ensures adequate and equal treatment
It is very easy for one to dismiss someone or something that you do not understand. This is very unfair, especially in a medical facility. It is very hard for a proper diagnosis if the patient and the doctor do not understand each other. The doctor will sometimes pay attention of the patient who can speak as this is very easy to diagnose. Having a sign language interpreter in a health facility is very essential.
Accurate conveyance of information
Proper diagnosis can only be given with adequate information from the patient when a health care worker does not understand a patient its nearly impossible to diagnose. Some patients with hearing impairments may go the hospital with cases of abuse and some other mental illness which can be very hard to explain to the doctor without an interpreter. The doctor needs an interpreter or learns sign language to be able to explain to patients their conditions and the procedure for therapy or treatment.
Saving of lives
Deaf patients usually show fear and mistrust while using health care services. This is because they feel like nobody will understand them; thus, they tend to shy away from the hospitals. Some with severe conditions only go to the hospitals when the situation has worsened or when it is too late. If every hospital could have sign language interpreters or sign language be incorporated in medical school syllabus, thousands of lives can be saved.
A health care provider with this skill stands a better chance of getting a raise or even being employed with some of the best healthcare facilities in the world. Moreover, there is no satisfying feeling knowing that you can be relied upon in all areas of your profession.
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