Conclusions and future research

This review has found a clear consensus across the included studies that the communication needs of deaf people and people with hearing loss are frequently unmet by healthcare professionals in the UK. This unmet need stems from a lack of awareness of, and negative attitudes toward different communication needs, failure to implement systems to meet those needs, and inconsistent access to communication support...

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No immediate change to clinical procedure is required, but the findings reinforce that awareness training and attitude shifts among healthcare staff are key priorities for improving care for deaf and hearing-loss patients.

These conclusions from a national advocacy and research body formalise the evidence gap and set a research agenda that could shape UK policy and professional training standards for years to come.

1. 01RNID rapid review confirms communication needs of deaf/hearing-loss patients are frequently unmet in UK healthcare.
2. 02Lack of awareness and negative attitudes among healthcare professionals are identified as root causes.
3. 03The review calls for targeted future research to address evidence gaps.
4. 04Conclusions are drawn from a rapid review synthesis, not a new primary study.
5. 05Findings carry implications for NHS policy, staff training, and professional guidelines.