• Kathy McGilton, Riva Sorin-Peters, Souraya Sidani, Elizabeth Rochon, Veronique Boscart, and Mary Fox.
• Department of Research,Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, E.W. Bickle Centre for ComplexContinuing Care, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mcgilton.kathy@torontorehab.on.ca
• Int J Older People Nurs. 2011 Mar 1;6(1):13-24.

ObjectivesThis study reports on a pilot study examining the feasibility of a Patient-Centred Communication Intervention. Aims of this study include: assessing the implementation of the communication care plans; identifying staff perceptions of the intervention; exploring changes in patients' perceptions of care and psychosocial functioning; and exploring changes in nurses' knowledge of and attitude towards communication with patients.Background  More than 50% of stroke survivors have speech and language impairments. Many nurses lack the specialized skills to effectively communicate with patients and therefore have difficulties understanding the patients' needs.DesignA one-group pre- post-test design supplemented with a focus group session with nursing staff was used. The intervention consisted of developing individualized communication plans; attending at a workshop; and implementing a system to support nurses when using the plans. The plans were used over a 2-month period. Focus groups were held with seven nurses.ResultsThe pilot study demonstrated feasibility. There was an excellent response rate and nurses adhered to the intervention.ConclusionThe Patient-Centred Communication Intervention is feasible and has demonstrated potential for a larger-scale study.Relevance To Clinical PracticeProviding tailored approaches to communication-enhancement education may be necessary for changes in practice to occur.© 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

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