School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Application of Science to Simulation Based Education and Research (ASSERT) Centre, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Ir J Med Sci. 2024 Feb;193(1):277-284. doi: 10.1007/s11845-023-03432-4. Epub 2023 Jun 29.
The prevalence of age-related hearing loss (ARHL) significantly increases in people aged 60 and older. Medical errors are frequently reported because of communication breakdown, especially for patients with ARHL.
This qualitative study focuses on identifying the communication challenges faced by people aged over 65 with ARHL and potential ameliorative strategies based on the participants' personal experiences.
Thirteen participants, attending a support service for older adults with hearing loss in the South of Ireland, were recruited using convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed using NVivo 12 software. Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis methodology was used to identify themes arising from two main study domains: difficulties faced during the most recent healthcare interaction and suggestions for improving overall healthcare communication.
Older adults with hearing loss identified general mishearing, lack of awareness and use of medical terminology to be the cause of ineffective communication. Raising awareness of the impact of presbycusis on clinical interaction among healthcare professionals was cited as being of crucial importance. Other helpful strategies include repeat and rephrase, use of written information, providing context, minimizing ambient noise, continuity of care, longer consultation length and good body language.
Effective clinical communication can be achieved through a clear understanding of the patient's perspective. Healthcare providers should be made aware of the hearing issues and associated communication difficulties posed, within the context of the development of patient-centred strategies to improve patient safety.
年龄相关性听力损失（ARHL）在 60 岁及以上人群中的患病率显著增加。由于沟通不畅，经常会出现医疗差错，尤其是对于 ARHL 患者。
本定性研究重点关注年龄在 65 岁以上的 ARHL 患者所面临的沟通挑战，并根据参与者的个人经验确定潜在的改善策略。
采用便利抽样法，从爱尔兰南部的一个老年人听力损失支持服务机构招募了 13 名参与者。对参与者进行半结构化访谈。使用 NVivo 12 软件对访谈进行音频录制和转录。采用 Braun 和 Clarke 的主题分析方法，从两个主要研究领域确定出现的主题：最近一次医疗保健互动中面临的困难和改善整体医疗保健沟通的建议。
听力损失的老年人认为普遍听错、缺乏意识以及使用医学术语是沟通不畅的原因。提高医疗保健专业人员对 presbycusis 对临床互动影响的认识被认为至关重要。其他有用的策略包括重复和重述、使用书面信息、提供背景信息、最小化环境噪音、保持护理连续性、延长咨询时间和良好的肢体语言。
通过清晰地了解患者的观点，可以实现有效的临床沟通。应让医疗保健提供者了解听力问题以及相关的沟通困难，在制定以患者为中心的策略以提高患者安全的背景下。
