Teaching Medical Students Skills for Effective Communication With Patients Who Have Communication Disorders

What is it about?

Adults who have communication disorders such as speech, language, cognitive, or hearing impairments often experience considerable difficulties in healthcare situations. They may have difficulty communicating their wishes or needs to healthcare providers, as well as understanding information provided to them by providers. This can have consequences for patient health and safety, as well as for patient autonomy in healthcare decision-making. Many medical, nursing, and other health students receive little or no training in what communication disorders are and how to communicate effectively with patients who have communication disorders. This study describes a project to train medical students how to communicate more effectively with their patients who have communication disorders.

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