A study of speech and language therapist and nurse communication
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An ethnographic study of speech and language therapist and nurse communication
IRAS ID
166663
Contact name
Rachel Barnard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City University London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 7 days
Research summary
This study aims to improve understanding of how speech and language therapists (SLTs) and nurses communicate with each other to provide coordinated care to patients with communication and swallowing difficulties on specialist neurological wards. Provision of care through specialist multidisciplinary teams is strongly advocated in best practice guidelines. This is a costly model of care and little is known about how joint-working actually happens on the wards.
SLTs and nurses are both trained to meet the needs of people with communication and swallowing difficulties. SLT assessments provide specific knowledge about the nature of the difficulties and how to optimise skills. Nurses provide situated knowledge of what communication and eating and drinking are like for patients throughout the day and night. Effective patient care depends on SLTs and nurses sharing their knowledge. There is almost no research into SLT-nurse communication, but that which does exist suggests that work is needed to bring SLT and nursing priorities into better alignment. A broader body of research has explored allied health professional (AHP)-nursing relationships and suggests there is much scope to improve the way in which AHPs and nurses work together for the benefit of patients.
The study will use a methodology called ethnography. It will involve observations of SLTs and nurses during their usual work activities in three specialist neurological wards within one NHS Trust over a period of 9 months. Data will comprise field notes, audio-recorded SLT-nurse discussion, SLT-nurse exchanges through the medical notes (patient record) and interviews with SLTs and nurses. Analysis will be inductive, in that interview questions will be influenced by observations. This should reveal how communication happens, what is discussed and perceptions of the SLT-nurse relationship. The research will improve understanding of SLT-nurse communication and influence education and professional development in order to ultimately improve patient care.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0271
Date of REC Opinion
30 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion