FLAG-Me

Author: Lucy Porte

  • Provide supporting written information

    0 0 Many people who are hearing impaired not only struggle to hear but also find it hard to process the auditory information they receive. Provide information in written format so people are able to take this away and refer to it after they have left the pharmacy.

  • Speech

    0 0 Providing a 1:1 consultation for patients in a consultation room also provides you the opportunity to ask if they prefer you speak more loudly / slower etc.  

  • British Sign Language

    0 0 For people who are ‘Deaf’ (and can only communicate via British Sign Language (BSL)) there are options to use a BSL video interpreter, via a live service, although this may not be available nationally at this point it has been commissioned in specific regions.

  • Use of Assistive technology (Audio Loop)

    0 0 Whilst many people with hearing loss have hearing aids, not everyone wears them or has them correctly set.   Similarly, some pharmacies have a hearing or audio loop (HL) system. This provides a magnetic, wireless signal that gets picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to Telecoil ‘T’ setting. Places with…

  • Positioning

    0 0 Try to stand facing a person with hearing impairment as many people rely on being able to lip read.  During COVID pandemic, masks were mandatory in healthcare settings and some who relied on lip reading were unable to understand information provided verbally to them. Although plastic full face visors and some transparent mouth/nose…

  • Minimizing background noise

    0 0 Provide a suitable confidential space – Many people with hearing impairment can struggle with levels of background noise. Consultations should always take place in a private consultation room wherever possible. 

  • Alternatives to telephone (Textphone option)

    0 0 Many people with hearing loss find it difficult or impossible to use the telephone so it is good to offer them other ways of getting in touch like text messaging, text relay, text phone or online services. It is best to ask each person what their communication needs are and what support they…

  • Disposal of medication

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  • Storage of medication

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  • Access medication information leaflets

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