PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT OF PATIENTS WITH HEARING DISORDER: METHODS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DENTISTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to solving the problem of psychological support for patients with hearing disorders within the scope of dental treatment. Hearingimpaired patients may need special psychological support due to specific communication difficulties (it is not only about available information, but primarily about available communication). In this context, communicative accessibility determines the creation of conditions that ensure full participation, activity, and an unhindered process of communication of all participants in the treatment process. In order to take into account the special needs of patients with hearing impairments, as well as to avoid anxiety in them, to prevent and overcome dentophobia, to establish effective professional communication with the doctor, a set of methodological techniques is presented, which involves the use of an emotion diary, thematic photos, anti-stress toys, awards, etc. and specially organized events (familiarization visit, sign language messages, accessible Internet pages, etc.) within the scope of the dentist’s activities. Recommendations for creating a barrier-free environment of a dental clinic, organizing services for patients who experience fear of treatment (dentophobia) and have special communication needs due to hearing impairment are given. The presented complex of methodological techniques is based on the following positions: ethical foundations of the doctor’s profession, effective professional communication between doctor and patient, accessible dental care, a sociocultural approach to identifying needs and providing services (national sign language, deaf culture), empathy, tolerance and respect for any what features (visual, mental), individual approach in providing services. In the context of the problem of professional communication of a dentist, an addition to educational programs for the training of dentists and qualification characteristics of medical workers is proposed, the implementation of which will contribute to the formation of relevant competencies in future and practicing doctors to overcome the psychological and communication barriers of patients with hearing impairments. Interdisciplinary research on the availability of medical services, psychological assistance to patients, the creation of a barrier-free environment in the field of health care using the best national and international experience, as well as taking into account the consequences of the Russian- Ukrainian war, remain relevant.