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

Clay, Philippa and Broomfield, Katherine ORCID: 0000-0001-7510-876X (2022) 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. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders, 57 (4). pp. 749-763. doi:10.1111/1460-6984.12711

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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 we reconducted 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 barrier to human connection and therapeutic relationships;(3)the impact of facemasks 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 out-comes when face masks are used.

Item Type:	Article
Article Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Aphasia; Communication difficulties; Dysarthria; Face masks; Rehabilitation; Stroke
Subjects:	R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology > RM695 Physical medicine. physical therapy including massage, exercise, occupational therapy, hydrotherapy, phototherapy, radiotherapy, thermotherapy, electrotherapy
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Health and Social Care
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Susan Turner
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2023 15:20
Last Modified:	15 Nov 2023 12:56
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/13317

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