Source of the image above: The Simulation Crew
Effective patient communication is tailored to the specific wishes and needs of communication-vulnerable individuals, including people with low literacy skills, mild intellectual disabilities, aphasia, or dementia.
Societal developments are increasing communication challenges for healthcare professionals. Due to population aging, the number of patients with cognitive communication impairments is rising. For these groups, it is essential that they fully understand the healthcare information discussed with them and are able to clearly express their own needs, questions, and preferences.
Because of limitations in cognitive functions such as language and memory, these patients are often less able to independently recognize or resolve communication difficulties, for example by asking for clarification when provided information is unclear. As a result, they are highly dependent on sensitive and skilled healthcare professionals who can prevent, identify, and repair communication breakdowns.
Within this project, we are developing a virtual reality (VR)-based communication training program for healthcare professionals in training. The aim of this program is to strengthen their communication skills when interacting with communication-vulnerable patients. The training focuses on applying effective communication strategies, such as using plain and understandable language, employing supportive non-verbal techniques, and recognizing and repairing communication breakdowns.
Through this initiative, the project seeks to enhance the communicative competencies of future healthcare professionals, enabling them to provide optimal support to communication-vulnerable patients and deliver person-centered care.
