Evaluating a Novel Rating Tool to Measure Healthcare Providers' Accommodations for People with Communication Disorders: A Cognitive Interview Study

Abstract

Effective communication between healthcare providers and their patients is essential to quality healthcare and has been linked to numerous positive health outcomes. Individuals with communication disorders are at increased risk for ineffective patient-provider communication, which can lead to undesirable outcomes for both the healthcare provider and the patient. The University of Washington developed a seminar to teach medical students how to communicate effectively with patients who have communication disorders. The purpose of this study was an initial exploration examining a novel rating tool developed to measure healthcare providers' accommodations when interacting with individuals who have communication disorders. A convenience sample of twelve second-year graduate students was recruited from the University of Washington Speech and Hearing Sciences Department. This study employed in-person cognitive interviews where participants were asked provide feedback about the rating tool while evaluating the communication behaviors of medical students interacting with standardized patients portraying communication disorders. An iterative process was used during the study to modify the rating tool based on participants' feedback. Results of the study identified the significant changes made to the overall format of the rating tool as well as the content of several items.