Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: to carry out an integrative review about the augmentative and alternative communication strategies used with adults and the elderly in the hospital environment and their impact on communication. Methods: this research study used the integrative review methodology with descriptors in English and Portuguese: 'communication', 'hospitals', 'communication aids for the disabled', in the following databases: LILACS, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science. Several articles in English and Portuguese, from the last 14 years, which addressed alternative communication strategies used with hospitalized adults and the elderly, were included. Studies on children, as well as duplicates, reviews, and those that addressed other methods of communication were excluded. Results: 13 articles characterized the alternative communication strategies used with adults and the elderly. There was a prevalence of intubated or tracheostomized patients, and health professionals, nurses being the ones with the highest citation, and researches on a qualitative approach. Six studies have used high and low technologies; however, most have shown a greater use of low-tech tools. Conclusion: a variety of high and low-tech strategies were identified, a reduction in communication difficulties being noted, as well as improvements in the quality of life and communication with professionals. The most used tool was the communication board, due to its hospitals' availability and its simple use. The evaluation and the effectiveness of communication tools in distinct clinical settings and profiles should be studied.
Highlights
Communication is a paramount element of human life
Objective: to carry out an integrative review about the augmentative and alternative communication strategies used with adults and the elderly in the hospital environment and their impact on communication
13 articles characterized the alternative communication strategies used with adults and the elderly
Summary
Communication is a paramount element of human life. It works through natural speech, from childhood to adulthood. It comprises an exchange of feelings and needs between people. Several situations can cause difficulties in communication. These difficulties can occur due to the physical and social environment, by the context and its factors, performance standards, and skills, which can influence the patient-medical team and patient-family relationships. Changes in the communicative process can make it difficult to understand the patient’s needs, during hospital care and may have an impact on frustrated and depressed patients[2]
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