Evaluation of a programme to communicate more effectively with people with communication impairments

We are all aware that communication problems can have devastating effects when the person can no longer communicate as s/he used to be able to. Being admitted to an acute hospital can be frightening enough without having the added problem of not being able to communicate your needs. As communication is a universal and basic skill, all health care staff need to be able to communicate adequately with all patients regardless of the presence of a communication handicap. However providing specific training to nursing staff in particular is hampered by shift patterns and providing ward cover.

The aim of this study is to develop, deliver and evaluate a training package for acute ward-based nursing staff on communicating with people who have a communication disability which is time and cost-effective.

This is a randomized control trial. Forty nurses (RGNs and HCAs) will be recruited; 20 will be trained and 20 will act as controls. Each person who agrees to take part will be asked to complete two assessments:

1. A short multiple choice questionnaire about communication problems.
2. A 10 minute conversation with a person who has aphasia. The person with aphasia (the professional patient) will feedback what happened during the conversation (using set guidelines) to an independent speech and language therapist.

The assessments will be completed on 2 separate occasions, before and after the training programme for the 'trained' group and with at least a four week gap between assessments for the 'control' group. These measures will evaluate whether there are any changes in knowledge and communication skills.

Each individual who forms part of the 'trained' group will be asked to watch a 30 minute training video initially. Once someone has been admitted to his/her ward with a communication problem, and who consents to taking part in the project, a 30-45 minute session will be arranged between the staff member, the patient and myself (a specialist speech and language therapist). The session will be arranged at the convenience of the patient and nursing staff. I will model ways to facilitate communication with the patient and encourage the staff member to practice these strategies during the session.

If this pilot study is successful I would hope to roll out the programme to other wards and health care staff. I will also aim to publish the results in an appropriate health journal.