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Subject Area
Ethical considerations
Focus
Unconscious bias
Simulation Title
Interaction with a hearing-impaired patient
Introduction Theoretical Background Exercises Videos Role-play Cards Facilitator's Notes Extra Resources
Learning Aim

To enhance communication skills and empathy when interacting with hearing-impaired patients and to address unconscious bias in healthcare.

Learning Objectives
  1. building awareness of own unconscious bias and its impact on interactions with hearing-impaired individuals,
  2. enhancing ability to adapt communication styles based on feedback from the patient.
Simulation Scenario

Characters

Patient: An elderly man who relies on a hearing aid, which has stopped working due to a dead battery.

Nurse: Two paramedics responding to a non-emergency call. They are experienced but struggle to communicate effectively with the patient due to his hearing issue.

Background

An older man living alone has called emergency services, stating he is having trouble with his ear. When the paramedics arrive at his flat, they find that the issue is not medical but due to a dead hearing aid battery. The patient is visibly frustrated and cannot hear the paramedics well. The paramedics attempt to communicate, but misunderstandings arise. Eventually, they decide to consult a neighbour for assistance.

Setting

The patient’s small flat. It is quiet, but communication is hampered by the patient’s hearing loss and the paramedics' lack of experience with hearing-impaired individuals.