Overcoming Communication Barriers by Patients after Stroke: Analytical Essay

Task 1

Reflecting on a time when I first started work in care, meeting new clients. I was shadowing the care manager when I met one elderly lady who was extremely anxious of new caregivers. On arrival, I said “Hello I’m Becky” introducing myself positively and calmly as first impressions count (Skillsforcare,2018). and breaking down the first barrier. smiling to the lady as nonverbal communication is important (Delve,2015).

Tone of voice, the pace at which someone is speaking, clarity of speech, and volume are also relevant when particularly considering the feelings of the individual (Delve,2015). I could see that the client was not happy as she started shaking and her tone of voice was wavering. The client was very unhappy and shouted for me to leave. I was stood filling the doorway, aware of my body language. People draw conclusions from body language about your sincerity, credibility, and emotions (Hasson,2015).

So I asked politely if I could sit down. Actively listening to the clients concerns (Skillsforcare,2015) .”I hate new people, it makes me anxious, you don’t know me” By paraphrasing the words back to the client (Skillsforcare,2018). Reassures her that I understand and validate her feelings “I understand your anxious, it must seem strange a new person here, but I am here to help you” shows empathy. Empathy connects people and builds trust (Hasson,2015).

I asked: “How do like your tea?” by asking an open question I wanted to open conversation (Delve,2015). “yes, milk with one sugar!”. Whilst making the client a cup of tea I continually chatted throughout with open ended questions to build a positive relationship (Delve,2015). To find out more about the client and ease her anxiety “have you always lived here? Etc…”. Establishing trust building relationship and developing a positive rapport is core skills of a caregiver. (Delve,2015).

Giving the client her tea, the client apologized for being so rude. I crouched down to her eye level and smiled showing compassion “Its ok I understand” (NHS,2013). aware of the proximity, I was crouching next to her respecting her personal space. Proxemics refers to the distance between people as they interact (Hasson,2015). Lightly touching her hand to reassure her, as touch is therapeutic and can build a positive relationship (Delve,2015). I asked if I could assist her with getting dressed? To which she replied “NO, I still don’t know you!’ As the client has capacity meaning she is within mind to make her own decisions, she can refuse help (MentalCapacityAct,2005).

Sitting back on the sofa I remain calm and positive, “Is there anything I can help you with today”. Being polite is important when communicating with people new to us (Koprowska,2020). The clients body language had calmed down now so I felt that she was easing to the idea of me being there. “Not today, thank you, maybe the next time you come.” This was a positive response as the client was excepting that I was going to return and showed politeness “.Thank you for letting me come in and meet you” Of all the skills a nurse must possess, the ability to communicate effectively is the most important. (Delve,2015).

Task 2 & Task 3

This essay will discuss the positive and negatives of overcoming communication barriers. How different support services can help overcome each barrier, helping to bridge the gaps between health professionals and patients.

Language barriers have negative implications for delivery of health care (Med,2020). Serious misunderstandings can occur where we share no common language with patients (koprowska,2020). Face‐to‐face interpretation is the most desirable mode of interpretation in healthcare (Hadziabdic,2013). By using a neutral speaking interpreter can help foster trust with the patient (Gov.uk,2017). The NHS has spent £64.4 million on translation services in the last three years (Gan,2012 p1). Making this service expensive, hard to arrange, and inaccessible to the wider community (Koprowska,2020).

By using tools such as google translate, increased patient satisfaction and provided better healthcare, and cut the costs of translators. (Oman,2020). These tools are free and easy to access, and they contribute to improving healthcare. (Oman,2020). Overall while using translators help to form relationships to overcoming barriers, they are expensive. so, using translating technology that is free, overcomes the language barrier better.

Patients who have had a stroke may find that they lose their ability to understand language (Koprowska,2020). In some hospitals, stroke coordinators (typically nurses or therapists) are core team members and work with patients, their families, and the wider multidisciplinary team from admission to discharge (Clarke 2013). Services such as speech and language therapists and Stroke Association communication support co coordinators are both employed to provide services for people with communication difficulties after a stroke giving them effective tools to assist with communication (Scantlebury, 2018).

Types of communications tools include picture dictionaries and communication boards (Stroke Association,2020). To overcome barriers speech and language therapists are also able to access and advise on communication aids and assistive technology to minimize the impact of communication difficulties following a stroke. (Priory Group,2020). Unfortunately, Physical effects of a stroke can cause problems with holding an aid or using the computer mouse, (Stroke Association,2013). However, there are lots of adaptations for example using a computer with eye contact. (Stroke Association,2013)

In conclusion, the stroke association and speech therapists can provide excellent means to overcoming communication barriers.

Patients with dementia are more likely to have hearing loss (Alzheimer Org 2020). People with all levels of hearing loss can face difficulties in accessing the services they need due to lack of deaf awareness, poor communication, and difficulties in accessing the appropriate support and interpreting services such as British Sign Language interpreters(NHS,2017). It is important that audiology services alongside wider health and public services deliver early intervention when first diagnosed with hearing loss (Hill,2016).

Wearing hearing aids have been shown to improve the quality of life (Hill,2016). Given the impacts of unaddressed hearing loss and the low costs of hearing services, hearing assessments and hearing aids are a cost-effective health care intervention (Hill,2016). Negatively the overview is that the support services are inconsistently provided across England for patients with dementia and hearing loss (Coleman,2015). Without proper support, hearing loss increases the costs of both health and social care because people are not able to manage their conditions well (Hill,2016).

In conclusion, the support services need to be more accessible to positively break down any barriers. Instead of focusing primarily on cost but more on a person-centered approach and one that works best for effective communication. (Hill,2016).

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