Specialized outpatient clinic for deaf and hard of hearing patients in the Netherlands: Lessons learned in an attempt to improve healthcare

In 2013 a group of organizations and individuals in the Netherlands got together to attempt to improve access to healthcare and health education for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) patients in the country. The result was the start of a specialized outpatient clinic named PoliDOSH. An independent research group was set up to evaluate the effect of this specialized clinic. Even though the initiative did not succeed and was closed after only two years, an extensive analysis of the start-up and functioning of the whole process was made. The findings are reported in this paper and advice concerning setting up a similar facility in the future in the Netherlands or elsewhere is given.
Data collection: structured and non-structured questionnaires and structured interviews. Outcomes: Only a small group of DHH patients indicated that they felt a need for consultations at the PoliDOSH. However, to ensure that DHH patients are provided with the opportunity to access optimal medical care it is essential that the possibility to visit specialized healthcare facilities exists. There is a great need for facilities to collect and disseminate information to and about DHH patients. The information should be aimed at providing psycho-education for 1) the DHH persons themselves and 2) healthcare professionals, concerning the specific needs and problems of this patient group. To ensure successful functioning of a specialized facility the team members should include a representative group of DHH members. All key functions should be filled by top experts in the relevant fields as well as an expert in communication and needs of the target group. It is essential that regular healthcare workers who look after the target group are frequently informed about the existence and possibilities of these facilities. Thorough market research prior to start up is needed to enable the facility to connect with the needs of patients. The start-up period should allow sufficient time for the project to become known and for patients to become familiar with it and trust it. Charting the availability of medical and paramedical care available for DHH people in the whole country can help to concentrate the care in various regions and strengthen the already present expertise.