Communication Wellness Cristina Leon Pujol, M.S., CCC-SLPMaria Cid Rivera, M.S., CCC-SLP

Learning Objectives

• Define communication wellness and the dimensions of wellness

First Learning Objective:

• Explain health literacy and how the Speech Language Pathologist can promote health and wellness

Second Learning Objective:

• Identify 3 communication strategies for effective communication for providers and caregivers

Third Learning Objective:

Maria Cid Rivera, M.S., CCC-SLP• Master of Science: Speech Language Pathology• Bachelor of Science: Exceptional Student Education

with ESOL endorsement• FAAST-South Florida Regional Demonstration Center

Maria has no relevant financial interests or conflicts of interest. She is employed by the Mailman Center for Child Development at the University of Miami, as well as the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST). She has no financial interests to disclose.

Speaker Disclosures_______________________________________________________

Cristina L. Pujol, M.S., CCC-SLP

• Master of Science: Speech Language Pathology

• Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education, ESOL Endorsed

Cristina has no relevant financial interests or conflicts of interest. She is employed by the Mailman Center for Child Development at the University of Miami.

Speaker Disclosures_______________________________________________________

What is Health and Wellness?

Health: Mental and physical state of a person –without disease

Wellness: Active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

Dimensions of Wellness Physical Wellness Emotional Wellness

Social Wellness

Financial Wellness

Spiritual Wellness Intellectual Wellness

Social Wellness – Communication What is Communication? Communication is the process of using words, sounds, signs or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, and feelings to another person.

• Verbal Communication• Non-Verbal Communication• Written Communication

Verbal Communication:

Using spoken word to deliver your message.

Ex. Giving directions

Non-Verbal Communication:

Using body language and

facial expressions. Ex. Finger to your

lips

Written Communication:Using written word

to convey information

Ex. Reading & Understanding a

Food Label

What is Health Literacy? Health Literacy is Dependent

on:

• Communication Skills

• Knowledge

• Culture

• Demands of healthcare & public health systems

• Situation/Context

Health Literacy

Affects the Ability to:

• Navigate the healthcare system

• Share personal information

• Engage in self-care & chronic-disease management

• Understand mathematical concepts

Health Literacy: The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information & services needed to make appropriate health decisions.

Why is Health Literacy Important? According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, Only 12% of adults have Proficient health literacy skills.

9 out of 10 adults may lack the skills needed to manage their health and

prevent disease.

Adults with Below Basic health literacy are more likely to report their health as poor (~42 percent) and are more likely to lack health insurance (~28 percent) than adults with Proficient

health literacy.

Fourteen percent of adults (~30 million people) have Below Basic health

literacy skills.

Poor literacy skills are associated with a higher risk

of hospital admission.

What does this mean?

Higher Healthcare Costs

Poor Health Outcomes

Low Literacy Skills

Who Can Help?

Public Health Professionals

Doctors

Nurses

Nutritionists

Speech Language

Pathologist

Dentists

Other

How Can the Speech Language Pathologist Help?

SLPs provide strategies on how to communicate complex messagesto individuals with limited literacy or understanding skills

• Using/Developing Plain Language Messages

• Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

• Using Effective Communication Strategies

Using Plain Language to Read a Food Label• Use Short Sentences

• Use plain language with limited terminology and jargon

• Use pictures to emphasize points

• Give small amounts of information and repeat it

• Use a “teach-back” method

• Encourage questions

General Effective Communication Strategies

We all have physical habits and postures that come to the front during emotional

and expressive conversations.

#1 Be aware of your body language

Avoid talking too much about yourself, use listening

and mindful responses.

#2 Show genuine interest in the person you are

speaking with

General Effective Communication Strategies

Responding to someone in a way that acknowledges what they’ve said and ask them to

expand on the subject

#3 Practice Active Constructive

Communication

General Effective Communication Strategies

Why Do We Need Effective Communication?It Improves the quality of treatment & results in:

• Improved patient safety • Informed decision making • Increased patient satisfaction • Better healthcare outcomes • Treatment & medication adherence

Effective Communication Tips for Providers“The patient will never care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

(Terry Canale in his American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Vice Presidential Address)

1. Establish rapport2. Choose appropriate language3. Explain clearly4. Show empathy, validate feelings5. Create a shame-free environment

Effective Communication Tips for Patients/Parents

#1: Making Your Appointment

#5:Don’t leave until you understand what to do next

#3: Arrive ready to tell your story & write down a list of your concerns:

• What symptoms are you experiencing

• When did the symptoms begin

• What makes the condition better/worse?

• Questions/concerns you may have

• What medications you are taking?

#2: Bring any healthcare records when visiting a new healthcare provider.

#4: Consider bringing a

family member or friend

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/navigate-healthcare-system/how-can-i-communicate-effectively/how-can-i-communicate-effectively-read

References