Easy Read Hospital Communication Handbook Communication Support in Healthcare

 

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What Is the Hospital Communication Handbook?

An Easy Read handbook to help:

• Doctors 🧑‍⚕️

• Nurses 👩‍⚕️

• Healthcare staff

…talk and communicate with patients more clearly.

It supports understanding, safety, and dignity in hospital settings.

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Who Is It For?

The handbook is designed for people with:

• Learning disabilities 🧠

• Hearing problems 👂

• Autism ♾️

• Communication difficulties 🗣️

• People who do not speak English as a first language 🌍

It helps make healthcare more accessible.

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Key Feature — Visual Tools 🖼️

The handbook uses:

• Clear pictures

• Visual symbols

• Easy Read layouts

Images come from an Easy Pics image bank.

Benefits:

• No need to learn special symbols

• Easy to recognise

• Supports understanding

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Sections in the Handbook

The handbook is divided into clear sections.

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Basic Needs

Includes information about:

• Allergies

• Health conditions

• Medication

• Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers)

Helps staff understand care needs quickly.

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Food & Drink 🍽️

Covers:

• Diet needs

• Food preferences

• Allergies

• Help with eating or drinking

Supports nutrition and safety.

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Feelings & Symptoms

Includes tools such as:

• Pain scales

• Body charts

• Symptom visuals

• Maternity information 🤰

Helps patients explain how they feel.

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Tests & Treatments

Explains hospital procedures like:

• X-rays

• Blood tests

• Scans

• Medical treatments

Reduces fear and anxiety.

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Communication Tools 🏥

Supports everyday hospital communication, including:

• Days of the week

• Dates

• Times

• Sign language alphabet

• Discharge planning

Helps patients understand hospital routines.

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Extra Resources Included

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“This Is Me – My Care Passport” 🧳

A personal profile about the patient.

It tells staff about:

• Likes and dislikes

• Communication needs

• Sensory needs

• Health conditions

This supports person-centred care.

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Easy Read Factsheets 📘

Used to prepare patients for:

• Hospital visits

• Treatments

• Operations

• Going home

Reduces anxiety through preparation.

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Easy Read Appointment Letters ✉️

Letters include:

• Pictures

• Dates

• Times

• Locations

Helps patients understand appointments.

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U.S. Alternative Communication Tools 🌎

Hospitals may also use:

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Hospital Symbol Boards 🏥

Help patients with:

• Speech difficulties

• Cognitive difficulties

• Communication barriers

Patients can point to symbols.

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Patient Provider Communication Network

Provides:

• Free hospital communication boards

• Printable tools

• Bedside support charts

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Widgit Health Resources

Examples include:

• Medical Encounter Boards 👨‍⚕️

• Bedside Message Boards 🛏️

• Hospital Procedure Packs 🧩

Supports multilingual communication.

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NIH Clear & Simple Guides

Provide guidance on:

• Making health information Easy Read

• Using plain language

• Accessible medical communication

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Why Is Easy Read Important in Hospitals?

Easy Read communication:

• Helps patients feel safe ✅

• Reduces fear and anxiety

• Improves understanding

• Prevents mistakes

• Supports equal access ⚖️

Accessible communication saves lives.

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Training Quiz Questions

Level 1

1. Who is the handbook for?

2. Name one visual tool used.

3. What does the pain scale show?

4. What is a Care Passport?

5. Why is Easy Read important?

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Level 2

1. Name three groups who may use the handbook.

2. Explain two handbook sections.

3. How do symbol boards help patients?

4. Why are Easy Read letters useful?

5. How does communication affect patient safety?

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