The Easy Read Hospital Communications Handbook

 

Is a resource developed by The Clear Communication People Ltd, designed to assist healthcare professionals in effectively communicating with patients who have diverse communication needs. This includes individuals with learning disabilities, hearing impairments, autism, acquired communication difficulties, or those for whom English is not their first language

📘 Key Features of the Handbook

·         Visual Communication Tools: The handbook is rich in clear, realistic illustrations from the Easy Pics image bank, developed in collaboration with individuals with learning disabilities and experienced nursing staff. These images are designed to be easily understood without the need for prior learning of abstract symbols.

·         Comprehensive Content: The handbook is organized into several sections covering:

• Basic Needs: Allergies, health conditions, personal care, mobility aids.
• Food and Drink: Dietary requirements, assistance with eating and drinking, food choices.
• Feelings and Symptoms: Pain scales, body images, signs and symptoms, maternity information.
• Tests and Treatments: Descriptions of common medical procedures, X-rays.
• Communication Tools: Days, dates, times, British Sign Language alphabet, communication tips, discharge plannings George's Hospital

·         Supplementary Resources: The handbook references additional tools to support patient communication:

• “This is me – My Care Passport”: A customizable document that provides hospital staff with essential information about a patient's needs, preferences, and dislikes.
• Easy Read Factsheets: Guides to help patients prepare for hospital visits, stays, and discharge, as well as information on making health-related decisions.
• Easy Read Appointment Letters: Templates for creating illustrated appointment letters to aid patient understandings George's Hospital+3St George's Hospital+3St George's Hospital+3

These supplementary materials are available for free download at www.surreyhealthaction.org.St George's Hospital

The handbook is available for free download and non-commercial use. Healthcare providers and caregivers can print sections or the entire handbook to support individual patient needs. Additionally, the Easy Pics image bank can be accessed to create tailored communication AIDS's George's Hospital

For more information or to download the handbook, visit The Clear Communication People Ltd.St George's Hospital

While there isn't a direct U.S. equivalent of the UK's Easy Read Hospital Communications Handbook, several American resources serve similar purposes by aiding communication between healthcare providers and patients with diverse communication needs.

🗣️ U.S. Communication Aids and Resources

1.                       Hospital Symbol Boards and Communication Tools

o    The University of North Carolina's Department of Allied Health Sciences offers a comprehensive Hospital Symbol Board. This tool utilizes partner-assisted scanning and visual aids to facilitate communication with patients who have speech or cognitive impairments.UNC School of Medicine

2.                       Patient Provider Communication Network

o    This network provides a variety of free, downloadable communication boards and tools tailored for medical settings. These resources are designed to assist patients with communication challenges during healthcare interactions.

3.                       Widgit Health Resources

o    Widgit Health offers a range of symbol-supported communication tools, including:

§  Medical Encounter Board: Developed in partnership with the Patient Provider Communication Network, this board aids communication during medical encounters.

§  Bedside Messages: A set of 26 key phrases supported by symbols, available in 28 different languages, to assist patients in expressing needs and feelings.

§  Hospital Procedures Pack: Resources designed to help patients with learning difficulties understand hospital procedures and what to expect during their stay.

4.                       National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Clear & Simple

o    The NIH provides guidelines on creating health materials that are easy to read and understand. These guidelines emphasize the use of plain language, clear visuals, and logical organization to enhance patient comprehension.St George's Hospital+4Widgit Health+4patientprovidercommunication.org+4

🧰 Additional Tools

·         Communication Boards: Various organizations offer printable communication boards that use symbols and simple language to assist patients in expressing their needs.Mencap+2UNC School of Medicine+2Widgit Health+2

·         Easy Read Templates: Templates designed to create documents in an easy-to-read format, combining simple text with supportive images.

·         Patient Passports: Documents that patients can fill out to inform healthcare providers about their communication preferences, medical history, and personal needs.

If you're interested in specific resources tailored to certain patient populations or healthcare settings, feel free to ask for more detailed information.