Communication and disabilities

What is information governance?

Legal framework governing use of confidential data in healthcare

Allows data to be shared between those offering care

Why is professional communication important?

Poor communication leads to investigations, puts patients at risk, lowers treatment outcomes and quality of care.

How can interpersonal communication be used?

Build a trusting relationship

Identify needs in order to form plans

Communicate essential information

What is a communication barrier?

Any parameter that limits or reduces the ease of channel of communication

What are semantic barriers and how do we overcome them?

Barriers between language use can be avoided by not using exclusionary language such as slang, keep language as simple as possible and confirm understanding.

What are psychological barriers and how can we overcome them?

Any psychological condition that affects the effectiveness of communication

Keep non verbal cues to a minimum and avoid ambiguous language

What are cultural barriers and how can we overcome them?

Challenges that arise when people from different cultures communicate with each other

Maintain respect, avoid stereotypes and be open to asking questions

What are physiological barriers and how can they be overcome?

Limitations in communication caused by a persons physical health condition or disability

Be patient, provide written information and learn to read visual cues

Why is communication important to consider?

Prevent sensory overload

Prevent anxiety

Prevent isolation

What is a disability?

Physical or mental impairment that has a substantial, long-term adverse affect on a persons ability to carry out day to day activities.

What are some provisions set out by the 2010 Equality Act?

Reasonable adjustments, interpreter as auxiliary aid and duty to provide information accessibly

What is the social model of disability?

Looks at disability as a socially created issue and moves the focus to barriers in society

What are ways to overcome communication barriers with those hard of hearing?

Good lighting to follow facial expressions and lip reading

Maintain eye contact and speak with usual rhythm

Attract attention of the deaf person visually

What is neurodiversity?

Different ways the brain can work and interpret information

How can you improve neurodiverse communication?

Speak with clarity

Avoid terms of endearment

Ask closed questions and alternative communication means