Using creative media to enhance communication with people with a learning disability

    Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Philosophy

    Abstract

    Background
    In health and social care settings, ineffective communication can lead to
    inequalities of care, and in extreme cases, to the unnecessary deaths of people
    with a learning disability (PWLD). This study examined how PWLD and health
    and social staff communicate, and how the arts and sensory activities (creative
    media) may be used to support more effective communication.
    Methodology
    The study used performance ethnography. Data were gathered from PWLD,
    family, teachers and from members of a social enterprise that specialises in
    teaching health and social care staff to communicate with PWLD. Creative
    media were used to enable participants with limited verbal skills to share their
    experiences and thoughts in non word based formats. The social enterprise
    company translated the research findings into a DVD to provide an accessible
    version of the study.
    Findings
    The study found that the relatively isolated existence of PWLD has led to the
    development of a communicative culture that is different to that of the general
    population. PWLD and their families have a high context, informal style of
    communicating, whilst staff in health and social care settings tend to
    communicate in a low context, technical manner. When members of the two
    cultures meet, the result is often a culture clash. The communication formats
    within creative media favour the preferred style of PWLD, and can support
    more effective communication.
    Conclusion
    Health and social care staff need to adapt their existing performance scripts in
    order to improve their communication with PWLD. Using creative media can
    help staff to develop new ways of communicating, thus potentially reducing the
    likelihood of health inequalities from ineffective interactions from occurring.
    Date of Award2013
    Original languageEnglish
    Awarding Institution
    • Coventry University

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