"I'm smiling back at you": Exploring the impact of mask wearing on communication in healthcare.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: Although undoubtedly essential in protecting the health of staff and patients, there are numerous logistical, physiological, psychological, social and economic complications associated with the wearing of masks. The ability of healthcare staff to successfully communicate with patients and with colleagues is jeopardized, which may adversely affect the efficiency, effectiveness, equitability and, most notably, safety of therapeutic intervention. The SLT has a distinct role in facilitating communication in order to safeguard the provision, accessibility and efficacy of services. What this paper adds What is already known on the subject Existing research explores the impact of mask wearing on medical doctors, surgeons and dentists, and upon the corresponding patient cohorts. Little is known about how mask wearing may affect Allied Health Professionals and their ability to deliver therapeutic interventions safely and effectively. With mandatory face covering potentially a long-term requirement for UK healthcare staff, it is both timely and relevant to consider the consequences of mask wearing on communication across acute and community settings. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This paper identifies a range of prospective key issues associated with mask wearing across a variety of clinical and non-clinical populations, with application specifically to vulnerable patient cohorts. Through evidence synthesis, this paper provides a summary of ...
Source: International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Int J Lang Commun Disord Source Type: research