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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
VERA framework: communicating with people who have dementia
Amanda Blackhall1, Dave Hawkes, David Hingley
1North Essex Partnership Foundation Trust, Essex.
Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|December 31, 2011
Summary
This study introduces the Validation, Emotion, Reassurance, and Activity (VERA) communication framework to help healthcare professionals interact compassionately with individuals experiencing dementia. The VERA framework provides structured guidance for effective communication and appropriate responses.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nursing Communication
- Dementia Care
Background:
- Healthcare professionals require effective strategies for communicating with individuals with dementia.
- Existing communication methods may lack structure, leading to challenges in providing compassionate care.
- Student feedback highlighted a need for structured guidance in dementia communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel communication framework for healthcare professionals interacting with people with dementia.
- To provide a structured approach for interpreting communication and responding appropriately to individuals with dementia.
- To enhance the quality of care and interaction in dementia settings.
Main Methods:
- Development of a communication framework based on four key concepts: Validation, Emotion, Reassurance, and Activity (VERA).
- The framework outlines a stage-by-stage process for communication.
- Guidance is provided for nurses to facilitate compassionate and caring responses.
Main Results:
- The VERA framework offers a structured method for understanding and responding to communication from individuals with dementia.
- It guides healthcare professionals in delivering person-centered care.
- The framework was developed based on the expressed needs of nursing students.
Conclusions:
- The VERA framework serves as a practical tool for healthcare professionals working with people with dementia.
- It promotes effective, compassionate, and appropriate communication strategies.
- Implementing the VERA framework can improve the quality of care and patient experience in dementia settings.
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