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Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Diana Hawthorne, MSPAS, PA-C

Abstract

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (HH) patients face unique challenges when attempting to interact with the healthcare field compared to other limited English proficiency (LEP) populations. They lack the incidental learning, health literacy, communication services, and educational materials that other low-access patient populations have been afforded. Overall, this has led to poorer patient outcomes and has encouraged reluctance to seek out medical attention when needed or as a preventative measure.

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The Deaf Disadvantage: Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Access within the Deaf Patient Population

Deaf and hard-of-hearing (HH) patients face unique challenges when attempting to interact with the healthcare field compared to other limited English proficiency (LEP) populations. They lack the incidental learning, health literacy, communication services, and educational materials that other low-access patient populations have been afforded. Overall, this has led to poorer patient outcomes and has encouraged reluctance to seek out medical attention when needed or as a preventative measure.