The effects of an interprofessional patient-centered communication intervention for patients with communication disorders

Appl Nurs Res. 2018 Feb:39:189-194. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2017.11.017. Epub 2017 Nov 15.

Abstract

Purpose of the study: This small scale study examined the influence of an interprofessional (IP) evidence based patient-centered communication intervention (PCCI), delivered by trained nurses in collaboration with Speech Language Pathologists, on patient outcomes in an active stroke rehabilitation setting.

Design and methods: The setting constraints imposed the use of a single-group pretest and post-test design to determine the influence of the intervention on patient outcomes. Validated tools measured patient quality of life (QOL), depressive symptoms and satisfaction with care.

Results: Patients (n=34) showed improvement in all outcomes from pretest to post-test, including quality of life, geriatric depressive symptoms, and satisfaction with care.

Implications: The findings indicate that a comprehensive person-centered communication intervention has the potential to enhance patient outcomes at discharge. Challenges to implementing and evaluating evidence-based interventions in practice are highlighted.

Keywords: Communication disorders; Implementation; Interdisciplinary communication; Nurse-patient communication; Patient centered care intervention; Stroke rehabilitation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Communication Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Communication*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interprofessional Relations*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient-Centered Care / methods*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / methods*

Grants and funding