6 June 2011
The London Ambulance Service has
helped to produce a booklet to improve the way frontline staff
interact with patients who have difficulties
communicating.
It is designed primarily for use with patients
who have a learning disability or who find it difficult to
talk.
Practice Learning Manager Alan Taylor, who
developed the book, said: “A hospital communication guide had
already been produced, but there was nothing on the market for the
pre-hospital setting. The guide has pictures and words to help the
patient explain what has happened to them and the ambulance staff
to explain how they are going to treat the patient.”
The book, which was produced with The Clear
Communication People, also contains guidance for staff on
supporting patients with hearing and visual impairments, deafblind,
guiding people and assistance dogs. It also enables patients who
have communication difficulties to give or withhold their consent
to be treated.
The guides will be used by staff working
during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games who are likely
to come into contact with patients who may have trouble
communicating, or who struggle with language barriers. They are
already being issued to staff on the Games training programme
before being rolled out to all frontline staff later this year.
Alan added: “We sought the views of a number
of organisations including Mencap, Enfield Deaf Image Group and The
Respect Group – Bexley Mencap, to develop and test the product.
Working with The Clear Communication People was also helpful as
they employ staff with learning disabilities to quality assure
their products.”
Mike Leat from The Clear Communication People
said: “It was an interesting challenge to produce a book that was
small enough to be practical, yet clear enough to be functional. We
went through many drafts as the testing progressed and we're really
happy with the finished product. I hope that between us, we have
produced a book that will benefit ambulance staff and the patients
they treat.”
- Ends -
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