PP1701 - Effective Communication for Emergency Encounters: A Training Program for Emergency Responders

Purpose: Individuals with hearing loss typically require the use of alternative communication strategies in order to fully understand messages and communicate effectively. When seeking medical treatment, ensuring this population’s communication needs are accommodated is necessary, especially during emergency medical situations where timing and details are critical. When healthcare professionals interact with a person with hearing loss, not knowing how to communicate with them or that their hearing loss exists creates an opportunity for harmful misunderstandings and communication breakdowns that decrease patient satisfaction and safety. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a virtual training program on patient interactions between emergency responders and adults with hearing loss.

Methods: This research will be a descriptive cohort study assessing communication confidence and general education regarding DHH individuals of EMTs and paramedics in North Florida at baseline and after the training program. In the fall of 2023, participants will be invited to complete a training that includes two virtual training modules, pre- and post-training surveys, and several “checkpoint” questions throughout the video. Statistical methods will be applied to analyze questionnaire results. For association studies, an exact Chi-square test will be used to obtain p-values. Logistic models will explore differences between pre- and post-questionnaire responses controlling for demographic characteristics. 

Results and

Conclusion:

Among those invited to enroll in the training (approximately 350 EMS personnel), roughly 80% are expected to participate. In the pre-training questionnaire, participants may report no experience with formal training to communicate with the DHH and limited knowledge of Deaf culture. They may rate low confidence in their ability to identify adults with a hearing loss and their preferred method of communicating. Results may show a likely correspondence between the amount of time employed in EMS and increased knowledge and confidence about communicating with DHH adults. Following the training video, participants will demonstrate statistically significant skill acquisition and increased knowledge to assist them during EMS/DHH encounters. Results from this study will be obtained by February 2024. 

This training program will use community engagement, social support, and advocacy as its guiding principles to increase the application of effective communication strategies when interacting with the DHH population.