Course Description
Patients who are communication impaired are at greater risk of medical error and poorer outcomes (Patak, et al.). Patient outcomes are significantly affected if they are unable to communicate effectively. Not only does this affect their ability to communicate to their caregivers but to their medical team. It limits their ability to report pain, comfort needs, and participate in decision making in their care including end of life needs.
In this professional development learning activity, we will describe and educate the learners on communication impairments and barriers in the acute care setting. This will include what is assistive technology and its use in this setting, primarily focusing on low tech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) options and the team approach. Education on implementation for AAC use within the medical team and caregivers, customization of options, and use of multiple communication modalities when required. Examples of patient use will be included.
Course Format
Self study
Course Access
1-year, on-demand access to course content
Target Audience
Occupational therapy practitioners, speech language pathologists, Physical therapy practitioners, psychologists, psychologists, physicians (CME credit not offered)
Educational Objectives
After participating in this activity, clinicians will be able to:
- Describe how communication difficulties can impact patients’ quality and safety outcomes
- Summarize domain areas to assess for bedside feature matched assessment
- Discuss at least two low tech assistive technology options to meet communication needs of patients in the hospital setting
- Identify ways to incorporate low tech AAC options into communication when in the acute care setting
Low Tech AAC to Meet the Communication Needs of Patients in the Hospital Setting
Tami Altschuler, M.A., CCC-SLP
Holly A. Cohen, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CDRS
Course Director
Holly A. Cohen, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CDRS
Program Manager-Assistive Technology and Driving Rehabilitation
NYU Langone Health
Course Planner
Tami Altschuler, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Specialist in Patient-Provider Communication
NYU Langone Health
Holly A. Cohen, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CDRS
Program Manager-Assistive Technology and Driving Rehabilitation
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone Health Speakers
Tami Altschuler, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Clinical Specialist in Patient-Provider Communication
NYU Langone Health
Holly A. Cohen, OTR/L, SCEM, ATP, CDRS
Program Manager-Assistive Technology and Driving Rehabilitation
NYU Langone Health
Program Coordinator
Krystal Pearce, MBA
Senior Program Coordinator
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine
Email: Krystal.Pearce@nyulangone.org
Accreditation and Credit Designation
Occupational Therapy Credit
This course is approved for a maximum of 1.0 occupational therapy contact hours.
The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.
ASHA Credit
The course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEUs. (Introductory Level: Professional Education)
Learner Level: Introductory
Special Needs
Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone Health, in compliance with the legal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that any participant of this educational activity who is in need of accommodation, submit a written request to Krystal.Pearce@nyulangone.org.
Refund Policy
In order to request a refund you must email Krystal.Pearce@nyulangone.org.
Cancellation Policy
If a live course is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, or any other reason, Rusk Rehabilitation will refund registration fees in full. Rusk Rehabilitation will provide at least two weeks’ advance notice if cancelling due to insufficient enrollment and as soon as possible in all other circumstances. Rusk Rehabilitation is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the registrant.
In the unlikely event that a recorded course is cancelled/not available on demand for the 1 year period as advertised, the registration fee will be refunded in full.
Disclosures
Tami Altschuler, Low Tech AAC to Meet the Communication Needs of Patients in the Hospital Setting, employed by NYU Langone Health Grossman School of Medicine
Disclosure:
Financial — No relevant financial relationship exist.
Non-Financial – United States Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Board of Directors
Patient-Provider Communication Network, Co-Organizer
Holly A. Cohen, Low Tech AAC to Meet the Communication Needs of Patients in the Hospital Setting, employed by NYU Langone Health Grossman School of Medicine
Disclosure:
Holly Cohen has no relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.