Ask the Expert: Benefits

Learning to communicate with non-verbal patients supports patient rights such as recognizing patient autonomy, demonstrating respect, and encouraging patient participation in their care. Communicating effectively will allow you to perform your role at your highest level, ensuring better diagnosis, treatment options and management of patient and family expectations. Good communication is an important risk management technique that mitigates exposure to risk and enhances therapeutic effectiveness.

For more information
In 2001, we were awarded a federal grant that allowed us to develop a multimedia package to be distributed to medical schools throughout the United States. The package included two CD-ROM’s – one addresses medical issues that are often associated with key developmental disorders, such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down syndrome; and the second offers information about communication strategies and attitudes that impact on the care of persons with developmental disabilities.

Aside from the CD-ROMs, you can also visit our Web site for more tips and valuable information: www.disabilityhealth.org. To request the CD-ROMs, use the e-mail link posted on the Web site.

See Sidebar: Strategy for interviewing persons who are non-verbal