
Abstract Purpose of the Study: To examine the documentation of sensory impairment in the electronic medical records (EMRs) of Veterans with both hearing and vision losses (dual sensory impairment [DSI]). Design and Methods: A retrospective chart review of the EMRs of 20 patients with DSI was conducted. Providers’ documentation of the presence of sensory impairment, the use of assistive technology during clinical appointments, and the content of notes mentioning communication issues were extracted from each chart note in the EMR for the prior 6 years. Results: Primary care providers documented DSI in 50% of EMRs, vision loss alone in 40%, and hearing loss alone in 10% of EMRs. Audiologists documented vision loss in 50% of cases, whereas ophthalmologists/optometrists documented hearing loss in 15% of cases. Examination of two selected cases illustrates that care can be compromised when providers do not take note of sensory impairments during planning and provision of clinical care. Implications: Sensory impairment is poorly documented by most providers in EMRs. This is alarming because vision and hearing affect patient–physician communication and the use of medical interventions. The results of this study raise awareness about the need to document the presence of sensory impairments and use the information when planning treatment for individuals with DSI.
Male, age factors, prevalence, Persons with Visual Disabilities, hearing loss/epidemiology, Documentation, documentation, male, 80 and over, Prevalence, retrospective Studies, Electronic Health Records, Humans, humans, visually impaired persons/statistics & numerical data, Hearing Loss, Aged, Retrospective Studies, Aged, 80 and over, communication, middle Aged, Brief Report, Communication, Age Factors, Middle Aged, United States/epidemiology, United States, aged, electronic health records/organization & administration, aged, 80 and over
Male, age factors, prevalence, Persons with Visual Disabilities, hearing loss/epidemiology, Documentation, documentation, male, 80 and over, Prevalence, retrospective Studies, Electronic Health Records, Humans, humans, visually impaired persons/statistics & numerical data, Hearing Loss, Aged, Retrospective Studies, Aged, 80 and over, communication, middle Aged, Brief Report, Communication, Age Factors, Middle Aged, United States/epidemiology, United States, aged, electronic health records/organization & administration, aged, 80 and over
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