Masking Care: A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of Face Masks on the Experience of Stroke Rehabilitation from the Perspective of Staff and Service Users with Communication Difficulties

Autor/inn/en	Clay, Philippa; Broomfield, Katherine
Titel	Masking Care: A Qualitative Investigation of the Impact of Face Masks on the Experience of Stroke Rehabilitation from the Perspective of Staff and Service Users with Communication Difficulties
Quelle	In: International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 57 (2022) 4, S.749-763 (15 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1368-2822
DOI	10.1111/1460-6984.12711
Schlagwörter	COVID-19; Pandemics; Hygiene; Disease Control; Speech Communication; Communication Disorders; Neurological Impairments; Rehabilitation; Employees; Health Personnel; Barriers; Interpersonal Communication; Interpersonal Relationship + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Kommunikationsstörung; Neurodegenerative Erkrankung; Employee; Arbeitnehmer; Beschäftigter; Medizinisches Personal; Interpersonale Kommunikation; Interpersonal relation; Interpersonal relations; Interpersonelle Beziehung; Zwischenmenschliche Beziehung
Abstract	Background: Face mask use has become widespread as a means of reducing transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Research suggests face coverings can impact speech discrimination, therapeutic alliance and the interpretation of non-verbal cues. However, there is little research into the impact of face masks on people with communication difficulties (pwCD) post-stroke. Aims: To explore the perspectives of service users and staff on a stroke rehabilitation unit in order to understand the impact of staff wearing face masks on the experience of rehabilitation for pwCD. Strategies that might improve the experience of rehabilitation for pwCD were also explored. Methods & Procedures: Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with six pwCD and five health professionals (HPs) on a stroke rehabilitation unit. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Outcomes & Results: Four main interacting themes were identified from the data: (1) face masks as a barrier to effective communication; (2) face masks as a barrier to human connection and therapeutic relationships; (3) the impact of face masks on an individual is influenced by multiple internal and external factors; and (4) there is a need for service provision to evolve to meet pwCD's needs when using face masks. Conclusions & Implications: Findings shed light on how face masks can act as a barrier for pwCD within the rehabilitative process, and emphasize that each individual with communication difficulties is likely to be affected to a differing extent, as a result of multiple interacting factors. HPs are encouraged to consider the individual holistically, tailor strategies and adapt to each individual's needs. Further research is required to understand how to optimize rehabilitation outcomes when face masks are used. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01