Seminar: The VOICE Study -- Analysing natural interactions between patients with dementia and healthcare professionals in hospital

Centre for Dementia Seminar Series 2016

Speakers: Becca O’Brien and Rebecca Allwood (University of Nottingham)

Title: 'The VOICE Study:  Analysing natural interactions between patients with dementia and healthcare professionals in hospital'

It is estimated that a quarter of acute hospital beds are occupied by people with dementia. Communication difficulties are common in dementia and these are likely to be exacerbated by a confusing hospital environment, unfamiliar people and the effects of acute illness. Since much healthcare delivery occurs through ‘talk’, healthcare professionals experience increased communication barriers with patients who have dementia.

We have filmed 41 encounters between patients with dementia and healthcare professionals on hospital wards. We are using Conversation Analysis to study what happens in these interactions and what seems to ‘work’ in overcoming communication challenges.  In this talk, we will share some of our recordings of real interactions, and show how healthcare professionals manage communication barriers to achieve their healthcare tasks whilst maintaining the personhood and dignity of their patients.