Pregnancy is a magical time filled with joy, anticipation, and the promise of new life. However, this journey brought unique challenges for Sarah*, a deaf woman who recently had an emergency visit to the triage. In this reflective blog, we delve into her experience, the obstacles she faced without her interpreter, and her complex emotions, including guilt for potentially burdening the midwives.
*Please note: Sarah is a pseudonym to protect and maintain confidentiality. We have been permitted to share Sarah's story to raise awareness.
The Silent Struggle: For a deaf woman, communication barriers can be an everyday reality. However, in a medical emergency, those barriers become even more daunting. Arriving at the triage with concerns about reduced foetal movement, Sarah immediately noticed the absence of her interpreter. With no interpreter present, she experienced a sense of isolation and vulnerability as the staff struggled to understand her needs and provide reassurance.
The Power of Adaptation: In moments of crisis, she discovered an inner strength she never knew she had. Despite the absence of her interpreter, she tapped into her resilience and adapted to the circumstances. She conveyed her concerns to the midwives using written notes, gestures, and lip-reading. Although imperfect, this makeshift mode of communication served as a lifeline during this stressful time. Guilt and the Burden of Miscommunication: Guilt weighed heavily on her throughout the experience. She couldn't help but feel responsible for the additional pressure she placed on the midwives, who were already working diligently to care for other patients. Miscommunication due to the language barrier led to misunderstandings and delays in receiving the reassurance she desperately sought. The guilt became a constant companion, driving her determination to find ways to improve communication for herself and others in similar situations.
The Need for Accessibility: Her experience highlighted the urgent need for better accessibility within healthcare settings for deaf individuals. Communication access should not be seen as an optional convenience but rather a fundamental right. Hospitals and healthcare providers must always strive to have standard communication aid available, ensuring deaf patients receive the same care and support as their hearing counterparts.
Empathy and Education: Through this challenging experience, although the healthcare providers' education was unsatisfactory, their empathy and care made her experience more bearable. Sensitizing healthcare providers to the needs and experiences of deaf patients is crucial, as it can foster a more inclusive environment. Likewise, raising awareness among society about the challenges
faced by the deaf community can help break down barriers and promote understanding.
Sara's journey as a deaf woman navigating pregnancy has been filled with triumph, resilience, and growth. While the emergency visit to the triage was a stark reminder of the obstacles she faced without her interpreter, it also fuelled her determination to advocate for change. By sharing her story, she hopes to shed light on the need for improved accessibility and communication within healthcare, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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