Communication Between Patients and Healthcare Professionals in Neurological Hospitalisation: A Qualitative Photo‐Voice Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

To explore and compare patients' and healthcare professionals' experiences of communication during hospitalisation for neurological diseases.

Background

Effective communication is essential for establishing strong relationships between patients and healthcare professionals, thereby ensuring patient-centred care that respects individual values and preferences. Neurological patients face additional communication challenges due to cognitive and motor deficits, such as speech difficulties and delayed cognitive processing. Limited research has investigated how both patients and healthcare professionals experience communication in this context.

Design

An explorative, qualitative design was applied within a hermeneutic framework inspired by photo-voice methods.

Methods

Data were obtained through interviews with patients (n = 12), one focus group discussion with healthcare professionals (n = 10) and six additional interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 6). Interviews were combined with photographs taken during the interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, and the COREQ guideline was applied.

Results

The analysis revealed a main theme: The core of connected care, encompassing three subthemes: Guided alignment, A changing environment and Human before patient. These themes created the foundation for effective, compassionate and humanised care. Participants metaphorically compared this to an aquarium, emphasising that, like an ecosystem, effective communication requires balance between alignment, environment and humanity. This main theme represents the quality of communication between patients with cognitive challenges and their healthcare providers.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the experiences of communication from both patients and healthcare professionals. Effective communication is important to manage treatment and engage patients in care.

Implications for Practice

Improving communication, promoting shared decision-making and enhancing the implementation of person-centred care are key strategies for increasing patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Patient and Public Contribution

None.