There are many systemic challenges that hinder hearing-impaired and other differently-abled Filipinos from accessing essential health services. To address some of these challenges and bring quality health care closer to these patients, members of UP Medical Students for Social Responsibility (UPMSSR) at UP Manila have created and launched a handbook.
Titled 鈥淢ediSIGN,鈥� the handbook aims to 鈥渂ridge communication gaps between patients with hearing impairments and medical professionals,鈥� according to Alex Nathaniel B. Gagalac, UPMSSR Commissioner-Standing Committee on Public Health. 鈥淢ediSIGN鈥� is made up of five sections: Introduction, Filipino Sign Language (FSL), Alphabet and Numbers, Building Rapport, and History Taking.
These topics were chosen for 鈥淢ediSIGN鈥� to serve as a quick reference for health care professionals, medical students, and the general public to improve rapport with deaf patients in a health care setting.聽
Regeena Lim, a fellow UPMSSR member, added that many deaf patients hesitate to seek medical attention because of fear that they might not communicate effectively. Unfortunately, the medical professionals who can provide care often hesitate to communicate due to a lack of training in sign language.
To address this issue, 鈥淢ediSIGN鈥濃�檚 introduction dives straight into the basics of FSL, covering important elements such as handshape, location, movement, palm orientation, and non-manual signs to enable effective communication with deaf patients. The main section explores topics like alphabets, numerals, adverbs, and building connections with patients through sign language, with activities like self-introduction and response to inquiries. The History Taking section teaches signs for medical professionals to obtain a full medical history, including health complaints, associated symptoms, and other health-related details.
Following its launch at UP Manila in May 2024, UPMSSR plans to distribute 鈥淢ediSIGN鈥� to hospitals and health centers. They are also seeking partnerships with organizations like the Department of Health to support the printing of more copies.
You may request a copy here:
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