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Developing a Culture of Successful Communication in Acute Care Settings: Part I. Solving Patient-Specific Issues
Sarah Marshall1, Richard R Hurtig2
1Communication Aids and System Clinic, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Purpose:
Establishing services for hospitalized patients with complex communication needs requires identifying and addressing both patient-based and institutional barriers. In this 1st article, we focus on overcoming patient-based barriers. The companion paper (Marshall & Hurtig, 2019) addresses overcoming institutional barriers.
Method:
We present a series of cases that illustrate both the challenges and some of the solutions that have emerged in addressing the specific needs of individual patients with complex communication needs.
Results:
Each case illustrates how a dynamic assessment approach was used to allow patients with complex communication needs to more effectively communicate with caregivers and participate in their care.
Conclusion:
Building a culture of improved patient-provider communication involves more than just providing patients with augmentative and alternative communication tools.
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