Experiences of hospital health professionals in the care of deaf patients

Objective This study aimed to describe the experience of hospital health professionals in the care of deaf patients. Methods We explored primary qualitative data from the experience of hospital health professionals in caring for deaf patients. A qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological approach was carried using face-to-face semi-structured qualitative interviews (N=8). We evaluated the perspective and experience healthcare professionals caring for a deaf patient through semi-structured interviews (supported by field notes) which were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the Colaizzi Method. Results Ninety-four significant statements emerged and were grouped into two themes: “professional-patient interaction” and “conditioners of care”, each with three categories. The interactions were influenced by factors such as the tools and strategies used by the health professional, their emotions, and the patient’s conditions; on the other hand, within the conditioning factors, the professionals described the procedural aspects, environmental and structural factors linked to care and access. Conclusions The health professionals’ experience impacts both themself and the quality of patient care. This impact is associated with different barriers, such as interpersonal, interaction, cultural and language or communicational, which generates inequality in access to health for deaf people and a challenging situation for health professionals. Objetivo Este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir la experiencia de los profesionales de salud hospitalarios en el cuidado de pacientes sordos. Métodos Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con enfoque fenomenológico descriptivo mediante entrevistas cualitativas semiestructuradas cara a cara (N=8). Evaluamos la perspectiva y la experiencia de los profesionales de la salud que atienden a un paciente sordo a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas (apoyadas en notas de campo) que fueron grabadas en audio, transcritas y analizadas mediante el Método Colaizzi. Resultados Emergieron 94 enunciados significativos que fueron agrupados en dos temas: “interacción profesional-paciente” y “condicionadores del cuidado”, cada uno con tres categorías. Las interacciones estuvieron influenciadas por factores como las herramientas y estrategias utilizadas por el profesional de la salud, sus emociones y las condiciones del paciente; por otro lado, dentro de los condicionantes, los profesionales describieron los aspectos procedimental