A systematic review of the effectiveness of nurse communication with patients with complex communication needs with a focus on the use of augmentative and alternative communication.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the research regarding communication between nurses and patients with complex communication needs (CCN). The research was reviewed with respect to the following themes: (a) the importance of communication; (b) the barriers to effective communication; (c) the supports needed for effective communication; and (d) recommendations for improving the effectiveness of communication between nurses and patients with CCN. Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies that can be used by nurses to facilitate more effective communication with patients with CCN are discussed.


BACKGROUND
Effective nurse-patient communication is critical to efficient care provision. Difficulties in communication between nurses and patients arise when patients are unable to speak. This problem is further complicated because nurses typically receive little or no training in how to use AAC to communicate with patients with CCN.


METHODS
Systematic review.


METHODS
This paper reviewed the published research focusing on the perspectives of nurses, patients with CCN and their caregivers regarding the challenges to effective communication between nurses and patients with CCN. Further, specific strategies (i.e., using AAC) that nurses can use to improve and facilitate communication with patients with CCN are provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication between nurses and patients is critical to providing and receiving quality care. Nurses and patients have reported concern and frustration when communication is not adequate. Using AAC strategies will help nurses and patients better communicate with each other when speech is not an option.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication with all patients is very important to the provision of quality nursing care. Communication cannot always be achieved using the speech modality. Nurses need to have tools and skills that will allow them to communicate with all of their patients whether or not they can speak.
Finke
Erinn H
EH
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. enh109@psu.edu
Light
Janice
J
Kitko
Lisa
L
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology; D003144:Communication Barriers; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012107:Research Design