ASL Sign Services with VRI Interpretation: Enhancing Healthcare Access for Deaf Patients

The provision of effective communication access for Deaf American Sign Language (ASL) users in healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring equitable access to healthcare services. Research has highlighted the challenges faced by Deaf patients in healthcare settings, including the stress and frustration associated with requesting communication access. Furthermore, the use of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) has been a topic of interest, with studies indicating varying levels of satisfaction with the quality of VRI technology service among Deaf patients. While the use of on-site ASL interpreters is beneficial, written and oral communication alone is insufficient for providing comprehensive information to Deaf patients. Additionally, the lack of cultural sensitivity and awareness among healthcare staff towards Deaf patients has been identified as a barrier to effective communication. Health literacy among Deaf ASL users has also been a concern, with communication and language barriers limiting their access to healthcare messages and information. The impact of communication on preventive services among Deaf ASL users has been studied, with findings indicating that the use of sign language interpreter services is associated with better adherence to recommended preventive services. This underscores the importance of ensuring effective communication access for Deaf patients to promote their utilization of preventive healthcare services. In the context of interpreting, studies have explored directionality in ASL-English interpreting, highlighting the complexities and linguistic considerations involved in interpreting between spoken and signed languages. Furthermore, the biomechanics of ASL interpreting have been compared with casual conversation, shedding light on the physical demands placed on professional interpreters. The use of technology, such as VRI, has the potential to enhance healthcare accessibility for Deaf patients. However, the quality of VRI services and the satisfaction of Deaf patients with this technology require further attention to improve its effectiveness in healthcare settings. Additionally, the adaptation of national surveys to include deaf-specific technology reflects a growing recognition of the unique communication needs of Deaf individuals in healthcare research. In conclusion, the provision of ASL sign services with VRI interpretation is essential for addressing the communication barriers faced by Deaf ASL users in healthcare settings. While on-site ASL interpreters remain valuable, the integration of VRI technology has the potential to enhance communication access. However, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with VRI technology, improve the cultural sensitivity of healthcare staff, and ensure the linguistic and cultural competence of interpreters to effectively meet the communication needs of Deaf patients.