title: Focus on communication: increasing the opportunity for successful staff-patient interactions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study reports on a pilot study examining the feasibility of a Patient-Centred Communication Intervention. Aims of this study include: assessing the implementation of the communication care plans; identifying staff perceptions of the intervention; exploring changes in patients' perceptions of care and psychosocial functioning; and exploring changes in nurses' knowledge of and attitude towards communication with patients.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  More than 50% of stroke survivors have speech and language impairments. Many nurses lack the specialized skills to effectively communicate with patients and therefore have difficulties understanding the patients' needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A one-group pre- post-test design supplemented with a focus group session with nursing staff was used. The intervention consisted of developing individualized communication plans; attending at a workshop; and implementing a system to support nurses when using the plans. The plans were used over a 2-month period. Focus groups were held with seven nurses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pilot study demonstrated feasibility. There was an excellent response rate and nurses adhered to the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Patient-Centred Communication Intervention is feasible and has demonstrated potential for a larger-scale study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Providing tailored approaches to communication-enhancement education may be necessary for changes in practice to occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Research,Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, E.W. Bickle Centre for ComplexContinuing Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mcgilton.kathy@torontorehab.on.ca
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McGilton
authors.forename: Riva
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sorin-Peters
authors.forename: Souraya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sidani
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rochon
authors.forename: Veronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Boscart
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001037:Aphasia / Q000451:nursing*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing*