One of society's most vulnerable groups? A systematically conducted literature review exploring the vulnerability of deafblind people

Dados Bibliográficos

ID14947871
AutoresPeter Simcock (0000-0002-9586-4244, Department of Social Sciences, Health and Medicine/Social Care Workforce Research Unit; King's College London; London UK, autor correspondente)
Ano2017
Volume25
Fascículo3
Páginas813-839
Data de publicação2017-05-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoHealth & Social Care in the Community (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0966-0410 • E-ISSN: 1365-2524
EditoraHindawi Limited (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1111/hsc.12317
PMID26733322
OpenAlexW2226379009
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas17
Referências citadas49

The vulnerability of deafblind people is considered axiomatic; they are seen not only as a vulnerable group but also as one of the most vulnerable. This paper aims to synthesise existing knowledge to determine what is known about such vulnerability. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken between April 2013 and May 2014. The review method was informed by systematic review principles. An approach based on a 'hierarchy of evidence' would have reduced the amount of literature reviewed significantly, to the point where synthesis would not be possible. Included material was appraised and an interpretative rather than aggregative approach to synthesis adopted. Drawing on principles of critical interpretive synthesis, rather than being a determiner of whether material should be included or excluded, a critique of the literature is offered within the synthesis. Twenty-eight references were identified for inclusion, originating from the UK, USA, Australia, Continental Europe and the Nordic Countries. No empirical studies specifically examining the experience of vulnerability of deafblind people were found. However, deafblind people describe feelings of vulnerability in studies exploring their experiences more generally, and in personal accounts of living with the impairment. Literature produced by practitioners and specialist organisations also explores the topic. Deafblind people are identified as a population 'at risk' of various adverse outcomes, particularly when compared to the non-deafblind majority, and deafblind people describe being and feeling vulnerable in various situations. The literature largely relates to negative outcomes and includes significantly less exploration of positive risk taking, coping capacity and resilience. Deafblind people do not appear to describe themselves as being vulnerable as a permanent state, suggesting a need for greater exploration of the experience among all sections of this heterogeneous population, with consideration of the concepts of resilience and coping capacity

Computer security · Internet privacy · Sociology · Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility · Computer Science · Hearing Impairment and Communication · Psychology