Indirect therapy: changes to the communication of nursing staff caring for adults with learning disabilities (ALD)

Article type: Research Article

Authors: O’Shaughnessy, Clare^a | Goulding, Finnuala^b

Affiliations: [a] Department of Speech & Language Therapy, National University of Ireland, Galway | [b] Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, NHS, Lancashire

Abstract: Background:Within the care of ALD there are changes occurring in relation to the context of care with services moving from residential to community care settings, and in intervention moving from direct to indirect approaches. There is limited documented research on these interventions. Purpose:The aim of this paper is to report on the implementation of indirect therapy and to report on the attempts made to evaluate its usefulness and effectiveness as an intervention. A further aim is to contribute to the evidence base for carer training within the area of learning disability in the Irish context. Method:11 participants (nursing staff) attended two days training which focused on enhancing communication for ALD. Quantitative measures of their communicative interactions with their clients were recorded pre and post intervention. The participants also provided written feedback. Results:The findings were analysed and comparisons were made between the participants’ interaction skills pre and post intervention. The majority of participants improved in their use of communication strategies, allowing the client to lead communication and responding more appropriately to their clients. They were more aware of the communication needs of the client and had an increased awareness of their own communication and its effects on others. Changes in use of appropriate eye-contact (p=0.090) and use of appropriate questions (p=0.063) revealed borderline significance.

DOI: 10.3233/ACS-2009-17105

Journal: Journal of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 38-56, 2009