ABSTRACT
Objective This study was to explore deaf people's needs for a smooth communication with doctors and/or nurses during health consultation in the outpatient department or when being hospitalized and supply reference for compilation of sign language textbooks.Methods Purposive sampling was used and semi-structured interviews were conducted.Six deaf participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were interviewed.It lased for 20 to 40 minutes for each interview.Interviews were recorded digitally and then transcribed and validated.Transcripts were analyzed using a method of thematic analysis.Results Three themes were identified,i.e.needs for sign language interpreters,needs for information and knowledge.and needs for psychosocial and emotional support.Needs for sign language interpreters meant that doctors and nurses were able to communicate with them using simple sign language instead of terminology.The required information and knowledge covered three aspects,i.e.health condition,pharmaceutical therapy,and self-care activity.Conclusions There may exist serious communicative barriers for deaf people during their health consultation in the outpatient department or when being hospitalized.There is a need for healthcare professionals who are competent in sign language to establish the health delivery environment with minimal barriers.