Communication strategies for adults in palliative care: the speech-language therapists' perspective

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Dias, C (Author) Other; Rodrigues, IT (Author) Other; Hernani Goncalves (Author) FMUP; Ivone Duarte (Author) FMUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: BMC PALLIATIVE CARE

Vol. 23

ISSN: 1472-684X

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-0VV

DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01382-x

Abstract (EN): BackgroundCommunication disorders are a challenge that many patients in palliative care (PC) may encounter. This intervention area is emerging for the speech-language therapist (SLT), the professional who works in preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating human communication disorders. This study aims to identify and classify the communication strategies considered most important by SLTs for use in PC and evaluate whether there are any differences in perception regarding the importance of strategies between SLTs with and without PC experience.MethodsThis cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted using a survey, which employed a well-structured, self-completion questionnaire previously validated by a panel of experts with over six years of PC experience.ResultsThe strategies rated as most important within each group were the following: (i) adjust the patient's position and minimise environmental noise; (ii) establish eye contact and adjust the pace of speech; (iii) adjust the language level and raise one topic at a time; (iv) use images of the patient's interests and their personal objects; (v) use orality and multimodal form; (vi) use simplified language and structured pauses; and (vii) use tables with images and books with pictures.ConclusionsVerbal and non-verbal strategies were rated as highly important. There was no evidence of differences in perception in terms of importance between the SLTs with or without experience in PC, but more studies are needed to support this aspect. The patient's communication ability is one of the cornerstones of PC quality. Through their actions, speech-language professionals could empower the patient with strategies so that they can autonomously and self-determinedly express their experiences and most significant needs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14