CARE TO THE DEAF PATIENTS IN THE HEALTH SERVICES: ACCESSIBILITY AND OBSTACLES

Abstract

This is a descriptive qualitative study aiming to understand the deaf people accessibility to health services, diagnosing problems and obstacles. Nine deaf patients were interviewed using the Brazilian Sign Language - LIBRAS, with
the aid of an interpreter. The data were evaluated using the Content Analysis (Theme mode) technique, which five categories: communication, feelings, perceptions, accessibility and f autonomy. The data analysis revealed that there
are a small number of health care professionals able to communicate using LIBRAS, and this fact complicates the communication between the patient and health workers. Moreover, deaf patients claim they rarely can find interpreters
to assist them. Because the problems in establishing efficient communication, several Health services and information are inaccessible to deaf patients. Besides, the society still sees the deaf people as unable to make their own decisions regarding their health and therapy, keeping them dependent on others.