TY - JOUR

T1 - Meeting the confused patient with confidence

T2 - perceived benefits of communication partner training in subacute TBI

AU - Nielsen, Annesofie Ishøy

AU - Jensen, Lise Randrup

AU - Power, Emma

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Objective: This study aims to explore health professionals’ perceived benefits of implementing Communication Partner Training (CPT) using Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) in a subacute rehabilitation setting with patients in post-traumatic confusional state (PTCS) after TBI. Method: The study was conducted in a clinical setting using a pre-post questionnaire design to explore change. One hundred and four interdisciplinary clinicians attended CPT in the SCA™ method and subsequent implementation support. Participants completed a questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative questions before and after the training and implementation period. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants’ perceived confidence and self-assessed ability to communicate with patients in PTCS significantly increased after CPT (p = 0.006). While participants still experienced communication challenges, they reported using CPT-related tools and strategies in their interactions. Participants found they could apply strategies to improve patients’ comprehension of information and to confirm their understanding of patients’ communication. However, using strategies to enhance patients’ expressive abilities was perceived as more challenging. Conclusions: Training health professionals in CPT increase their confidence in managing communication with patients in PTCS. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of CPT within a more rigorous research design.

AB - Objective: This study aims to explore health professionals’ perceived benefits of implementing Communication Partner Training (CPT) using Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) in a subacute rehabilitation setting with patients in post-traumatic confusional state (PTCS) after TBI. Method: The study was conducted in a clinical setting using a pre-post questionnaire design to explore change. One hundred and four interdisciplinary clinicians attended CPT in the SCA™ method and subsequent implementation support. Participants completed a questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative questions before and after the training and implementation period. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and qualitative content analysis. Results: Participants’ perceived confidence and self-assessed ability to communicate with patients in PTCS significantly increased after CPT (p = 0.006). While participants still experienced communication challenges, they reported using CPT-related tools and strategies in their interactions. Participants found they could apply strategies to improve patients’ comprehension of information and to confirm their understanding of patients’ communication. However, using strategies to enhance patients’ expressive abilities was perceived as more challenging. Conclusions: Training health professionals in CPT increase their confidence in managing communication with patients in PTCS. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of CPT within a more rigorous research design.

KW - communication partner training

KW - Post-Traumatic amnesia

KW - Post-Traumatic confusional state

KW - SCA™

KW - Traumatic brain injury

U2 - 10.1080/02699052.2022.2158224

DO - 10.1080/02699052.2022.2158224

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 36571429

AN - SCOPUS:85145267871

VL - 37

SP - 208

EP - 221

JO - Brain Injury

JF - Brain Injury

SN - 0269-9052

IS - 3

ER -