Positive Culture Change in Long-Term Care: A Procedure to Enhance Speech-Language Pathologist–Certified Nursing Assistant Collaboration

Abstract

Background The majority of residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities have cognitive communication impairments impacting their ability to communicate basic wants and needs to caregivers, particularly certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are the most qualified individuals to educate CNAs about residents' communication behaviors; however, there is limited literature that outlines specific, evidence-based procedures for CNAs and residents in the LTC environment. The purpose of this article is to describe such a procedure, including 2 case examples, within a framework of positive culture change. Method This clinical focus article aims to describe the details and benefits of providing professional support for CNAs during a communication plan intervention. Then, the article will discuss the association between professional support and positive culture change in LTC. Professional support involves valuing the experience and time CNAs spend with residents, consistently requesting feedback regarding trained communication strategies, educating, demonstrating, and problem-solving with CNAs, as well as acknowledging CNAs' use of communication strategies during daily care with residents. Conclusions SLPs can serve as trendsetters in establishing a positive, functional organizational culture in LTC by providing professional support to CNAs. This article outlined an evidence-based procedure designed for SLPs working in the LTC environment to contribute to such positive culture change.