Communicating with confidence is the priority

Communication disability affects a person’s ability to understand and be understood by others.

An estimated 1.2 million Australians have a communication disability and speech pathologists, including those across Healthscope, play an important role supporting and building communications confidence.

Communication disability remains largely invisible in Australia today. The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the challenges faced by people with communication disability. The need to communicate and connect with those around us is more important than ever.

That’s why speech pathologists are highlighting the theme of “Communicating with Confidence” during Speech Pathology Week from August 23-29.

Communicating with confidence is vital to participate fully in our social, educational, economic, and physical lives.

How does a communication disability affect someone?

More confident communication helps maximise educational, health and social outcomes.

Workforce participation for Australians with communication disability is only 38 per cent compared to 80 per cent of people without communication disability. People with communication disability are also less likely to have a non-school qualifications with only 42 per cent achieving these qualifications compared to 61 per cent in those without communication disability.

One in seven people with communication disability require formal assistance with communication. Half of all people with communication disability who need formal assistance with communication have an unmet need for this support.

Patients in the healthcare system need to be able to communicate with confidence to fully participate in their own healthcare. The entire patient journey requires communication, from consenting to procedures and making informed decisions, to indicating basic wants and needs to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals.

How can you help someone communicate with confidence?

Communication, by definition, involves at least two people and is more than speech. Australians with communication difficulties communicate with others using a variety of means including word-based or picture-based communication boards or books, sign and gesture, and spelling.

Assistive technology, such as electronic communication and speech generating devices, voice amplification and computer access aids (including eye-gaze mouse control and head tracking devices) allow people with communication difficulties to communicate with those around them.

The ability of Healthscope patients to communicate with confidence is vital for a safe and valuable patient journey. Speech Pathology Australia offers these communications tips:

• Always treat the person with the communication disability with dignity and respect
• Be welcoming and friendly
• Understand there are many ways to communicate
• Ask the person with the disability what will help with communication
• Avoid loud locations, find a quiet place
• Listen carefully
• When you don’t understand, let them know you are having difficulty understanding
• If you think the person has not understood, repeat what you have said or say it a different way
• Try asking the person yes or no questions if you are having difficulty understanding them
• Ask the person to repeat or try another approach if you don’t understand
• To make sure you are understood, check with the person that you have understood them correctly
• If you ask a question, wait for the person to reply
• Allow the person time to respond, so always be patient
• Speak to the person directly and make eye contact. (Though be mindful that there are some people who may not want you to look at them, e.g. some people with autism spectrum disorder)
• Speak normally. There is no need to raise your voice or slow your speech.

Speech Pathologists are available to assist patients with communication disability through providing specialist assessment and intervention throughout the patient’s journey.