Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA,
Patient. 2014;7(4):397-401. doi: 10.1007/s40271-014-0067-y.
Patients with speech disabilities can present with challenges when communicating during primary-care clinical encounters. Little is known about the healthcare communication experiences of patients with severe speech disabilities.
Twelve participants took part in open-ended, in-person interviews. All participants had either acquired or developmental, severe speech disabilities but were not limited by cognitive and language disabilities. A multi-disciplinary team conducted a thematic analysis that included reading the transcripts and then developing and applying a list of codes through consensus.
Participants discussed provider behaviors that affected communication during clinical encounters. They wanted providers to acknowledge their competence by speaking directly to them and using age-appropriate language. Additionally, participants appreciated when providers adapted to their communication style by maintaining eye contact, asking the patient how to best communicate with them, providing time for the patient to communicate, not interrupting the patient, and admitting when they do not understand the patient.
Primary-care providers need to be cognizant of the communication needs of patients with communication disabilities. While the needs might be similar to other patient populations, patients with communication disabilities present with unique challenges. With accommodations, patients with speech disabilities can potentially be more engaged in their healthcare conversations.
言语障碍患者在初级保健临床就诊期间进行沟通时可能会遇到挑战。对于言语严重障碍患者的医疗保健沟通体验知之甚少。
12 名参与者参加了开放式面对面访谈。所有参与者均患有获得性或发育性严重言语障碍，但不受认知和语言障碍的限制。多学科团队进行了主题分析，包括阅读转录本，然后通过共识制定和应用一系列代码。
参与者讨论了影响临床就诊期间沟通的提供者行为。他们希望提供者通过直接与他们交谈并使用适合年龄的语言来承认他们的能力。此外，当提供者通过保持眼神交流、询问患者如何与他们进行最佳沟通、为患者提供沟通时间、不打断患者以及承认他们不理解患者时，参与者会对此表示赞赏。
初级保健提供者需要意识到有沟通障碍的患者的沟通需求。虽然这些需求可能与其他患者群体相似，但言语障碍患者存在独特的挑战。通过适当的调整，言语障碍患者可以更积极地参与他们的医疗保健对话。
