Using telehealth technology to improve the delivery of health services to people who are deaf

The use of technology to access sign language interpreters from a remote location can have a significant impact on the timely access of such services for people who are deaf. The potential integration of such services is contingent on factors such as the availability of suitable equipment and the acceptance of the technological solution by people who are deaf, sign language interpreters and the health professionals. A system was assembled to address the needs of the users while maintaining focused on the requirement of the system being feasible such that it remains an option for small clinics and even medical offices. The technological solution was tested using simulated sessions involving people who are deaf, health professionals and sign language interpreters. The sessions simulated typical health conditions seen in hospital emergency rooms, medical clinics and doctor offices. Data collected from all participants indicate the technology proved to be acceptable in most simulated situations.