In the health care setting, a majority of patients have some degree of communication limitation.  The inability to have effective communication denies patients involvement in their own care and puts providers at a high risk of misunderstanding critical information. Communication vulnerability includes patients who:

• need to sign consents and read patient education but don't have their glasses
• can’t hear well enough to participate in conversations 
• do not speak English as their native language  
• have suffered a stroke and can't express themselves, and more…
  

There is a long list of reasons that make individuals vulnerable in healthcare settings.  Communication is fast-paced, critical decisions are being made, and patients often experience discomfort and anxiety. When patients do not have good access to communication they progress slower, can have more complications, and are less satisfied with their care, which can not only hurt the patient, but can also cost facilities money.
 
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools, strategies and techniques can ease communication in such situations. Juli Pearson, MS, CCC-SLP, and Debby McBride, MS, CCC-SLP, have developed a successful program meeting these needs at Boulder Community Hospital in Boulder, CO. We are sharing our experience and knowledge with others through…
   
        …Audio-conferences, Workshops and Trainings… 
   …to help you set up a program within your healthcare setting to meet these needs, 
      comply with healthcare regulations, and gain hospital- wide support …
 
…On the Spot Resource Book… 
…100+ pages of communication resources for the healthcare setting: printable letter boards, picture boards, life images, photographs, topic boards, and more. There are descriptions about each tool and accompanying pre-made “bedside recommendations” and “how to instructions.”  The book comes with a CD which allows for reprinting materials, instructions and family ed. 
 
…On the Spot Communication Tools  for Healthcare Settings
an easy-to use tool kit that provides communication tools in healthcare settings for persons that have needs related to: Speech, Language, Hearing, Vision and Cognition…