Alison Pilnick has been awarded a studentship in collaboration with Nottingham University Hospitals Trust.
'Elderspeak' is defined as the use of systematic speech accommodations directed towards older adults. Features of elderspeak include speaking more slowly, and using shorter turn constructions, repetition, and terms of endearment such as 'dear' or 'darling'. Some authors have objected to its use on moral grounds, on the basis that it is similar in tone and register to 'infant speak', and is therefore patronising and infantilising to older persons. However, empirical studies of elderspeak in a dementia-specific context present a mixed picture, with some studies suggesting it can improve communication and cooperation with care and others suggesting it may increase resistance to care. This mixed picture presents a dilemma for healthcare practice.
This project will use the sociological method of conversation analysis to examine the use of elderspeak as it occurs between patients and staff on acute Healthcare of the Elderly hospital wards. Analysis will begin with an existing corpus of video recorded data, but the successful candidate will also collect and analyse new data to supplement this. The project aims to provide a more detailed contribution to the empirical basis for delivering dementia care; and to develop a training resource for staff grounded in this empirical research. The student will be based in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, and the supervisory team are Professor Alison Pilnick (Sociology), Dr Sarah Goldberg (Health Sciences), and Professor Rowan Harwood (NUH). View more information about the project (PDF).
Posted on Friday 14th February 2020