Article

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a communication partner training programme
directed to enrolled nurses working with people with communication disorders in
nursing homes, using an individualised approach. METHOD:
Five dyads consisting of
a person with stroke-induced aphasia (n = 4) or Parkinson's disease (PD) (n = 1)
living in different nursing homes and his/her enrolled nurse participated in the
study, which had a replicated single-subject design with multiple baselines
across individuals. The main element of the intervention was supervised analysis
of video-recorded natural interaction in everyday nursing situations and the
formulation of individual goals to change particular communicative strategies.
RESULTS: Outcome was measured via blinded assessments of filmed natural
interaction obtained at baseline, intervention and follow-up and showed an
increased use of the target communicative strategies. Subjective measures of goal
attainment by the enrolled nurses were consistent with these results. Measures of
perceived functional communication on behalf of the persons with communication
disorders were mostly positive; four of five participants with communication
disorders and two of five enrolled nurses reported improved functional
communication after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an individualised
communication partner training programme led to significant changes in natural
interaction, which contributes importantly to a growing body of knowledge
regarding communication partner training. Implications for rehabilitation
Communication partner training can improve the communicative environment of
people with communication disorders. For people with communication disorders who
live in institutions, the main conversation partner is likely to be a
professional caretaker. An individualised approach for communication partner
training that focussed on specific communication patterns was successful in
increasing the use of supportive strategies that enrolled nurses used in natural
interaction with persons with communication disorders. The training also
positively affected the perceived functional communication of the persons with
communication disorders.

Langue : ANGLAIS