An Interprofessional Communication Training Program to Improve Nurses' Ability to Communicate With Stroke Patients With Communication Disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate change in nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors after an Interprofessional (IP) Communication Training Program designed to improve nurses' ability to communicate with stroke rehabilitation inpatients with communication disorders.

DESIGN/

METHODS

A quasi-experimental longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate an IP Communication Training Program consisting of a full-day and booster workshop and speech language pathologist support for nurses. The Communication Impairment Questionnaire and the Providers Interactional Comfort Survey were collected prior to and 3 months and 1 year postintervention. Focus groups assessing program acceptability were conducted.

RESULTS

Forty-six nurses participated. The Communication Impairment Questionnaire significantly improved postintervention (p = .001), but not at 1 year follow-up (3.76, p = .123). The Providers Interactional Comfort Survey significantly improved postintervention (p = .001) and remained significant 1 year later (8.84, p = .03). Focus groups indicated high acceptability and reported that the education increased their confidence and reduced their frustration.

CONCLUSION

Nurses' attitudes toward and knowledge about communication strategies improved, which enhances their ability to care for stroke patients with communication disorders.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Interdisciplinary workshops and speech language pathologist support appear beneficial to nurses working with patients with communication disorders.