Patients with disabilities and complex communication needs. The GP consultation.
BACKGROUND
People with complex communication needs vary in terms of their underlying disability and the methods and strategies they use to communicate.


OBJECTIVE
This article describes the varied communication profiles that a general practitioner is likely to encounter in patients with disabilities, and the various types of augmentative and alternative forms of communication that might be used in such consultations.


CONCLUSIONS
This article provides strategies to facilitate doctor-patient communication involving patients with complex communication needs, some of which are illustrated in a case study of a young woman with an intellectual disability.
Iacono
Teresa
T
Centre for Developmental Disabilities Health Victoria, Monash University and Communication Resource Centre, Scope. teresa.iacono@med.monash.edu.au
Johnson
Hilary
H
D000328:Adult; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003144:Communication Barriers; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations