Launch of ambulance communications booklet
Tuesday, 07 June, 2011
The London Ambulance Service has helped to produce a booklet to improve the way frontline staff interact with patients who have difficulties communicating.
It is designed primarily for use with patients who have a learning disability or who find it difficult to talk.
Practice Learning Manager Alan Taylor, who developed the book, said: "A hospital communication guide had already been produced, but there was nothing on the market for the pre-hospital setting. The guide has pictures and words to help the patient explain what has happened to them and the ambulance staff to explain how they are going to treat the patient."
The book, which was produced with The Clear Communication People, also contains guidance for staff on supporting patients with hearing and visual impairments, deafblind, guiding people and assistance dogs. It also enables patients who have communication difficulties to give or withhold their consent to be treated.
The guides will be used by staff working during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games who are likely to come into contact with patients who may have trouble communicating, or who struggle with language barriers. They are already being issued to staff on the Games training programme before being rolled out to all frontline staff later this year.
Alan added: "We sought the views of a number of organisations including Mencap, Enfield Deaf Image Group and The Respect Group - Bexley Mencap, to develop and test the product. Working with The Clear Communication People was also helpful as they employ staff with learning disabilities to quality assure their products."
Mike Leat from The Clear Communication People said: "It was an interesting challenge to produce a book that was small enough to be practical, yet clear enough to be functional. We went through many drafts as the testing progressed and we're really happy with the finished product. I hope that between us, we have produced a book that will benefit ambulance staff and the patients they treat."
