Communication with the Elderly and Confused Patient

• Document No.

• Audit Title

• Client / Site

• Conducted on

  Date

• Prepared by

• Location
  Address

• Personnel

Communicating with the Elderly Patient with Dementia

• This peer observation feedback tool aims to help you identify behaviors that can effect good communication with elderly confused patients. It is based on guidelines from the UK Alzheimers Society (se link). It can be used in clinical simulations with simulated-patients/actors.
  https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=130

Instructions

• 1. Spend time before the observation discussing the behaviors that contribute to good communication with the elderly
  2. Go through the behavioural markers in the observation tool
  3. Elicit any specific area for feedback on communication that is important to the individual(s) being observed

Introductions

• Introduces self (to patient and family or carer) and explains role

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Establishes the patient's preferred title - starts with formal Mr/Mrs

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Helps orient the patient. Explains or re-explains who you are and what you will be doing

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Environment

• Approaches person with dementia from the front to gain their attention. Sits in front of him/her and maintains eye contact

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Minimizes distractions (e.g.reduces noise from phones TV, conversations)

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Communication with Carer

• Tick the box If the care is with the patient

• Is alert to caregiver's needs for information , resources and respite

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Acknowledge the carer as a valuable source of information and support with the patient,

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Communication with Patient

• Does not hurry the patient and is always calm and empathetic

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Even if patient says things which are untrue, avoids arguing or contradicting

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Listens actively and allows extra time for the elderly patient

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Speaks slowly and clearly and rephrases, if necessary.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Giving Information

• Uses short simple words and sentences and presents one question, instruction or statement at a time.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Frequently summarises the most important points & gives patient opportunities to ask questions

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Simplifies and writes down instructions and or uses pictures and charts

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Acknowledges what the patient says - echoing, paraphrasing, and checking understanding - consistently.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Compassionate Care

• Smiles and makes consistent eye contact. Tone of voice and body language is appropriate.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Uses physical contact to communicate care and affection, and to provide reassurance

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Tries to include the patient in conversations with others (e.g. carer) to break feeling of social isolation and to allow him/her to express themselves.

  Yes

  No

  N/A

• Shows care, concern and inclusion even when it is hard to follow what the patient is saying

  Yes

  No

  N/A

Rate the observation tool

• How helpful was this tool to give feedback on communication to a colleague you observed. [1= Not Useful at all 5 = Neutral 10 = Very Helpful]

• Observer's Signature

  Sign