Communicating with people with sensory loss | from Royal Blind

The charity Royal Blind, in collaboration with other disability organisations, has shared draft guidance for health and social care staff about how to communicate with patients who have sensory loss.

The guidance covers people who are:

• blind or partially sighted
• deaf or have hearing loss, or
• deafblind.

The document is a step-by-step guide for in-hospital care and links to other organisations that support people with sensory loss.

In addition, it is worth noting in this context, that many disabled people are at increased risk of adverse outcomes from respiratory conditions and are therefore more likely to need access to healthcare services.

When using electronic devices, always remember to check your local instructions to ensure accessibility for all patients. It may also be the case that it is the patient's family and friends who have sensory loss and not the patient. You may wish to install specialised software or apps to help communicate with patients who require access to interpreters.

Download the draft guidance here:
https://www.royalblind.org/royal-blind/campaigns/our-campaigns/sensory-loss-during-covid-19-pandemic