Communication between professionals and families is critical for establishing a good relationship. Families are very sensitive to the words that professionals use to describe the person’s condition, especially during treatment in the hospital and/or rehabilitation program.
Direct, clear and simple explanations help families understand what is happening and help prepare them for the future. Choice of words used by professionals in the early stages of recovery can directly influence a family’s positive hopes or negative expectations for recovery.
Tips for professionals on communicating…
· Be cautious when discussing long term recovery; do not be unrealistic, nor overly optimistic or pessimistic.
· Describe your role in the person’s recovery by explaining your discipline, i.e. the physical therapist may explain why range of motion exercises are important, the speech/language pathologist may explain why swallowing is being evaluated, the occupational therapist may explain why a hand splint is worn at night.
· Arrange for the family to speak to a more experienced professional when unable to answer questions; it’s okay to admit that you don’t know or are unfamiliar with the issue.
· Establish trust by explaining what is and is not a meaningful response. For example, when families have been told the person may not “wake up, walk or talk again,” this can take away their hope by eliminating the possibility that progress may change over time.
Tips for professionals on educating families…
It is important to have ongoing education for families as the situation changes. Education about brain injury is not a “one shot deal.” Families who under stress, tired and anxious are less likely to follow and understand what professionals are saying. There are many ways to educate families. An effective educational program has multiple components including…
· Talking with families one on one
· Arranging meetings with the treatment team and the family
· Offering a family education group
· Being available by phone or in person for follow-up questions and information
· Distributing information about brain injury that is written just for families
· Recommending websites about brain injury
· Showing DVDs or CDs about brain injury
· Having family members observe treatment
· Teaching families how to be involved in the person’s care
