In the dynamic world of speech-language pathology, effective communication is paramount. As practitioners, we constantly seek tools that can enhance our ability to connect with and support our clients. The "Inpatient Functional Communication Interview" (IFCI) developed by Robyn O'Halloran, Linda Worrall, Deborah Toffolo, Chris Code, and Louise Hickson is one such tool that can significantly improve communication in hospital settings. This blog will explore the key outcomes of their research and how implementing the IFCI can elevate your practice.
Why the IFCI?
The IFCI was designed to assist speech-language therapists working in acute hospital settings. It aims to identify how well inpatients can communicate in everyday hospital situations and to uncover techniques that facilitate effective communication. Here's why the IFCI stands out:
- Targeted Communication Situations: The IFCI includes 15 critical hospital communication scenarios such as describing the reason for admission, following instructions, and expressing pain.
- Facilitative Techniques: The tool allows clinicians to use and document various strategies to enhance patient communication, which can be shared with hospital staff.
- Efficient Administration: Designed for bedside use, the IFCI can be administered within 30-45 minutes, making it practical for busy hospital environments.
Implementing the IFCI in Your Practice
Integrating the IFCI into your practice can be straightforward and highly beneficial. Here are some steps to get started:
- Understand the Tool: Familiarize yourself with the IFCI's structure, including its development, administration guidelines, and scoring methods. The tool includes reproducible copies of the Staff Questionnaire, IFCI Interview Form, and a sample Interview Script.
- Conduct Thorough Interviews: Use the IFCI to conduct comprehensive interviews with patients, supplemented by information from staff members. This approach ensures you gather all necessary data for an accurate assessment.
- Document Facilitative Techniques: Record any successful communication strategies and share them with hospital staff to promote effective patient-staff interactions.
- Plan Further Assessments: Use the information gathered from the IFCI to determine if additional speech and language assessments are needed.
Encouraging Further Research
While the IFCI provides a robust framework for assessing inpatient communication, continuous research and development are crucial. As practitioners, staying updated with the latest research and adapting new findings into our practice ensures we provide the best care possible. Consider conducting your own studies or collaborating with research institutions to explore new communication techniques and tools.
Conclusion
The IFCI is a powerful tool that can enhance your ability to assess and improve inpatient communication. By implementing its structured approach, you can ensure more effective and efficient communication between patients and hospital staff. For those new to the inpatient setting, the IFCI provides a solid foundation to build upon.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Materials Reviews / valuation des ressources - Inpatient Functional Communication Interview - Robyn OHalloran, Linda Worrall, Deborah Toffolo, Chris Code and Louise Hickson
