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The communication between a nurse and a patient with autistic spectrum disorders.
VANŽUROVÁ, Lucie
This bachelor thesis deals with the problem of communication between a nurse and a patient with autism spectrum disorder (then only "ASD"). The theoretical part of this thesis contains basic information concerning not only verbal, but also non-verbal communication in nursing which is very significant for the communication process for persons with ASD. In this part, there is described the role of a nurse in communicating with a patient possessing normal communication skill in context of findings concerning the patients who have impaired communication abilities. The patients with ASD belong into this group. There is an essay in this thesis which solves the autism spectrum disorders, their definition, classification, causes, diagnosis and possible treatment. This essay describes the symptoms of a patient with the above named disorder in communication and trying to find possible solutions to overcome communication barriers between actors of communication. A nursing conception Kathryn E. Barnard provides a solution of communication barriers in nurses' work, whose performance is discussed in a separate chapter. We also try to show the methods that may help the nurse in this very specific communication. The empirical part of the thesis presents the results of a qualitative research survey implemented by using a semi-structured interview. The main aim of this research was to explore the specifics of communication between a paediatric nurse and a patient with autistic spectrum disorder. This goal is related to the second aim, it is to find out the level of nurses' knowledge in terms of communication with a patient. The third goal is mapping of the experience of family members of children with autism spectrum disorders in communication. Research questions were created in connection with the aims of the thesis. 1) What are the specifics of the communication with a patient suffering from ADS? 2) What is the level of knowledge of selected paediatric nurses in communication with a patient with ADS? What difficulties do the nurses have in communication with patients with ADS? 4) What experiences have the family member in communication with a nurse? With regard established goals, two research groups were established; the first one was formed by a group of nurses with experience in paediatrics and the second one was made by family members of children suffering from autism spectrum disorder. The snowball sampling method was used in order to find suitable respondents, especially in the second group of respondents. The results were subjected to a thorough analysis using open coding by using the method of "pencil and paper". The survey revealed that the selected nurses in most cases have basic information about the issue. The statements of family members are in conflict with nurses' statements. This is because it shows the fact that the general awareness of nurses is not so straightforward and that there are situations where communication does not happen in a manner which would correspond to communication skills of patients with ASD. Selected nurses have, in most cases enough information, but they are not able to put these information into practice.The results of our research cannot be generalized to all nurses working in paediatrics. This is confirmed by family members, who describe, unlike nurses, both pleasant and unpleasant experience associated with communication with the nurse. Given the fact that awareness of nurses is mainly linked to their personal interest in the issue, it cannot be said that the theme of specifics of communication between a nurse and a patient with ASD is treated with ample space under the training of nurses. We ourselves in the course of making this thesis encountered with difficulties associated with insufficient literary sources, which would focus on the issue of communication in nursing process with patients suffering from ASD.
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