Visual Communication in Hospital

Introduction. Compared to the general population, people with a developmental disability are characterised by worse physical health and subject to a much shorter life expectancy. (Fleischhacker WW, et al., 2009). This data is... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction. Compared to the general population, people with a developmental disability are characterised by worse physical health and subject to a much shorter life expectancy. (Fleischhacker WW, et al., 2009). This data is typically linked to the so called “refusal of treatment”, or to the exceptionally high cost in terms of time, stress and organisation with regard to prevention measures carried out on uncooperative patients. The reception in hospitals of people with an autism spectrum condition, or other communication related disorders, in many cases constitutes a problem for both the patient, as well as for the medical and nursing staff, who may face with bizarre behavior and unexpected reactions. In order to solve this critical situation, a communication interface intended for the interaction between people on the autism spectrum and medical and nursing staff was created. Methodology. The application was tested using it to prepare a group of children on the autism spectrum to have a blood test. The application showed step by step the way the blood test would be carried out, while simulates of each procedural step were fulfilled. The application was then used by nursing staff when children went to the hospital for the blood test. Results. In the hospital each child was collaborative and each nurse was able to do her job. Conclusions. Facilitating communication between medical and nursing staff and their patients on the autism spectrum is the way to assure the best quality of health care to people with autism.