Not knowing deaf people, lacking communication skills and presenting negative attitudes towards them may lead to risks to these patients' health. An inclusion experience on the topic of deafness in an academic discipline directed towards students at the Fluminense Federal University is described here. During two classes in the module Health and Society III, from 2007 to 2010, 553 second-year medical students were exposed to readings, discussions, video and experiences with participation by deaf people. Freeform anonymous evaluations were requested. Analysis on these evaluations revealed themes relating to acquisition of knowledge, communication skills and positive attitudes towards deaf patients. Direct contact with deaf people was shown to be essential for promoting positive attitudes. It is important not only to sensitize medical students, but to provide them with tools to ensure deaf patients' autonomy and independence.
Medical education; Deaf; Communication skills