Communication Needs of Hispanic Patients: Sudden Speechlessness Simulation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Spanish-dominant individuals had unique communication needs during a hypothetical event resulting in sudden speechlessness (SS), relative to an established template of messages with their respective graphic images/symbols previously validated by English-proficient patients experiencing sudden speechlessness. Spanish-dominant participants were included in a simulation where they became suddenly speechless while hospitalized after a surgical intervention. Participants listed basic care/symptom management needs important to communicate while speechless, identified corresponding illustrations by using a validated template, and/or described or drew pictorial representations appropriate to illustrate each of their needs. Study participants generated messages congruent with the experiences of English-dominant speechless participants by matching a list of messages with at least one picture or symbol included on the template. Participants generated new messages not represented in the original template to communicate about psychosocial needs, immediate needs, clarification/informational needs, and spiritual/faith needs. Results showed that the template in its original state did not meet the range of communication needs experienced by the Spanish-dominant study participants. Culturally specific input was essential to convey participants' communication needs during a period of speechlessness. Validation of study findings by Spanish-dominant individuals experiencing communication disorders will assist to further evaluate if messages and illustrations included on a revised template are representative of communication needs during SS periods.