Patient-centred communication intervention study to evaluate nurse-patient interactions in complex continuing care

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Healthcare Management
• Nursing

Background:

• Communication impairment is a common post-stroke issue, leading to patient frustration and agitation.
• Effective staff-patient communication is vital for patient-centered care, especially for those with post-stroke communication challenges.
• A novel patient-centered communication intervention was developed for nursing staff caring for complex continuing care patients with communication impairments post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a patient-centered communication intervention on stroke patients' quality of life, depression, satisfaction with care, and agitation.
• To assess the intervention's effectiveness in improving nursing staff's attitudes and knowledge regarding the care of patients with communication impairments.
• To build upon findings from a previous pilot study to refine and validate the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, repeated measures, non-equivalent control group design was employed in a complex continuing care facility.
• The study involved recruiting 60 patients and 30 nursing staff, with data collection at baseline and at 1 and 3 months post-intervention.
• The intervention comprised an individualized patient communication care plan, a workshop on communication and behavioral management, and a staff support system, informed by comprehensive patient assessments.

Main Results:

• Data collection and subject recruitment are ongoing, with a projected 36-month duration for completion.
• The intervention is designed to equip staff with strategies to improve patient interactions and manage agitation.
• Anticipated outcomes include reduced patient agitation and improved patient well-being, quality of life, and satisfaction with care.

Conclusions:

• The Patient-Centered Communication Intervention is expected to enhance staff's ability to facilitate patient interactions.
• Improved communication strategies are predicted to decrease patient agitation, positively impacting their overall well-being and care experience.
• The intervention holds the potential to significantly improve the quality of care and life for stroke patients with communication impairments.