Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction
DEAFMed, a Humanities selective within the JeffMD curriculum, aims to enhance cultural competency in caring for Deaf patients. This study predominantly assesses DEAFMed’s impact from the viewpoint of Deaf patients to determine whether the training improves medical student preparation for culturally competent care.

Methods
Deaf individuals were recruited and trained as Standardized Patients (SPs) for 15-minute history-taking encounters with first-year medical students. Twelve non-DEAFMed-trained and sixteen DEAFMed-trained students were randomized to SPs blinded to their training status. SPs evaluated students quantitatively on trust, eye contact, respect, communication, and comfort, and provided qualitative feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.

Results
DEAFMed-trained students consistently scored higher across all quantitative measures, though differences were not statistically significant (ɑ = 0.05). Qualitative feedback, however, highlighted clear differences: trained students demonstrated stronger skills in working with interpreters and ensuring Deaf patients felt prioritized. Trained students reported feeling prepared for encounters, whereas untrained students expressed a desire for more formal instruction and exposure to Deaf patient interactions.

Discussion/Conclusions
The lack of statistical significance likely reflects small sample size and potential volunteer bias. Nevertheless, SP feedback indicates that DEAFMed-trained students are better equipped to provide culturally competent care. Student perspectives further underscore the program’s value in preparing future physicians for interactions with Deaf patients, supporting the inclusion of Deaf culture training in the JeffMD curriculum. Future studies with larger, randomized samples are needed to validate these findings and confirm DEAFMed’s effectiveness in enhancing culturally competent care.

Language

English

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