Developing education to confront challenges with dyadic communication while wearing facemasks in long-term care

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test the web-based "CHATO-PPE" educational module that promotes successful communication with long-term care residents while wearing facemasks. A mixed-methods three phase approach was used that (1) identified best practices, needs, and preferences related to communication while wearing facemasks, (2) developed the CHATO-PPE module, and (3) evaluated the module using a one-group, pre-post design. Nineteen long-term care residents, long-term care staff, and family members of long-term care residents completed interviews or focus groups on needs and preferences of communication while wearing facemasks. Three themes were identified that were integrated into best-practices for communication with facemasks identified from a scoping review, which guided development of the module. Thirty-two long-term care staff completed CHATO-PPE and demonstrated a significant increase in confidence and identification of effective and appropriate verbal communication. Participants reported high satisfaction with CHATO-PPE, which equips nursing home staff with strategies that maintain person-centered communication while wearing facemasks.