Tami Altschuler will present a poster at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention this December in Seattle, Washington, showcasing her work on "Improving Healthcare Outcomes through Effective Communication." As a dedicated advocate for communication accessibility, Tami's presentation will highlight the development of free, open-access resources aimed at enhancing healthcare interactions for individuals with communication disabilities. She emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches between patients and healthcare providers, aiming to empower both parties in navigating healthcare encounters. Tami looks forward to engaging with fellow professionals and sharing insights on effective communication strategies, ultimately striving for healthcare equity and improved outcomes for underserved populations.
Accessible communication is essential for equitable healthcare, particularly for the approximately 17% of the U.S. population with communication disabilities, who face significant barriers leading to poorer health outcomes. This project addresses these disparities by developing free, open-access resources aimed at enhancing communication accessibility in healthcare settings. A comprehensive needs assessment involving focus groups identified existing gaps in resources and content, leading to the creation of a searchable online database of 106 vetted communication accessibility resources. The project also involved updating the Patient-Provider Communication Network website to meet high digital accessibility standards and developing practical tip sheets and webinars in English and Spanish. These materials will empower patients and healthcare professionals to improve communication during healthcare encounters. The resources will be freely available and attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to access them at the poster presentation.
