Clear and consistent communication is foundational to the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered health care. The COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges to communication between clinicians and their patients due to the need for information to not only be accurate and understandable, but also to be timely.  These challenges are further compounded when patients have conditions such as hearing loss, dementia, intellectual and developmental disabilities, or a range of physical disabilities. For example, the pervasive use of masks precludes people with hearing loss from reading lips. People with dementia or intellectual and developmental disabilities may not understand disruptions in their routines, or the need to observe public health guidance. People with certain physical disabilities may be unable to wear masks, or have difficulty communicating with their clinicians. This poor communication may have significant health impacts, including increased risk for infection, challenges in accessing treatment, and overall inequitable health care.

This webinar will feature an overview of key patient-clinician communication challenges and disability law and policies applicable for accessible and effective communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, identify techniques to facilitate health care communication with people with disabilities, and provide tools and resources to consider for better communication in the COVID world.

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