1 2 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 8
I
f you've ever treated
deaf patients, you know
how difficult it can be to
communicate with them. It
can be a struggle to convey
even the simplest things,
like asking them to undress
or to sign the consent form.
You can write notes on a
white board, but wouldn't it
be great if you invited a sign
language interpreter into
the OR? Tips for doing it
right:
• The OR staff should talk
to the patient, not the inter-
preter. Position the inter-
preter behind and to the right of the nurse or anesthesia provider
so that the patient can look at whom is speaking — even though he
can't read his lips — but also have a clear view of the interpreter.
• The interpreter should be at the patient's bedside in PACU to
reassure and comfort him as he emerges from anesthesia.
Linda Connelly, PhD, MSH, ARNP, CNOR
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, Fla.
lconnell@unf.edu
DEAF PATIENTS
Sign Language Interpreters in the OR
• SIGN OF THE TIMES Use a sign language interpreter when caring
for deaf patients.
University
of
North
Florida
Ideas Work
That
