Communication strategies for nursing research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia using life course theory

To explore effective communication strategies that may be used to promote efficacious research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.

A theoretical framework of Life Course Theory was used to examine the problems of communicating in research settings with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and present potential effective solutions to these problems.

Using Life Course Theory as an underpinning, a literature review was conducted regarding communication strategies/methods commonly used in psychiatric nursing. This paper deductively presents how these strategies/methods could theoretically improve nursing research with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Four main potential effective strategies for communication with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia in nursing research were identified which were (1) giving space; (2) shortened intervals; (3) the use of simple, meaningful phrases; and (4) showing engagement.

Older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia may be given more opportunities to share their input regarding their perceptions and valuable input regarding health care systems if these effective strategies of communication are used when conducting nursing research.

There is a need to gain more information regarding the perceptions of older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia as they are living longer and are entering into a health care system that is often at a quandary as to how to best care for them. The strategies delineated in this paper are part of an ongoing project to co-develop a model with older adults diagnosed with schizophrenia specifically tailored to improve their health outcomes and quality of life.