Barrier-free communication in hospitals and nursing care

Abstract

For people with complex communication needs (CCN), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods are key to healthcare. Barrier-free communication promotes a sense of security, active participation, and support for the healing process, while enabling healthcare workers to work more efficiently and with less stress.
The article presents two related research directions: a ten-year research project in Germany and a binational project starting in 2025. The Hungarian-German research and the German AAC-Med project highlight the communication and orientation conditions in hospitals using semi-standardized qualitative interviews and standardized quantitative questionnaires, and aim to develop topic-specific aids based on the Design Thinking model. The task of the educator is to prepare young people with disabilities for hospital communication based on the findings and developments.
Keywords: augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), communication accessibility, healthcare, patient safety, pedagogical implications