Communication Support Strategies for Patients with Aphasia & Cognitive Communication Disorders: An Updated Conversation for Healthcare Providers
DESCRIPTION
It can be intimidating to do clinical work with a patient who cannot just tell you what they need, where the pain is or how they feel. This is a common challenge across health care settings and clinical disciplines. This webinar will highlight how to use multiple modes of communication (verbal, auditory, reading, writing, drawing, gesture) as tools to increase communication effectiveness between health care providers and their patients with communication disorders. Through guided analysis of case studies and videos of patients with a range of communication barriers, participants will practice how to identify a patient’s communication strengths, choose the best tools to capitalize on those strengths and structure interactions to maximize success across a variety of clinical scenarios. An update to this previously recorded webinar includes discussion, strategies and problem solving for communicating with patients in a masked or virtual environment.
LEARNER OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Discuss the range of communication modes available to healthcare providers and to their patients
- Identify how to evaluate a patient’s communication strengths and weaknesses
- Outline how to structure communication in person or virtually with the patient to maximize use of their particular communication strengths to better support successful exchanges
INSTRUCTOR
Elissa Larkin, MS, CCC-SLP
AUDIENCE
Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Social Work and Speech-Language Pathologists
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants will watch the on-demand recording in its entirety and complete an assessment and feedback module in the Academy Learning Portal. You will have three months from the date of purchase to complete and review the course material. You will receive a reminder email two weeks before the expiration date.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
Nursing:
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This CNE is being offered for 2.0 contact hours of continuing nursing education.
In order to receive contact hours nurses must watch the entire webinar and complete the evaluation. They must also complete a post-test with a minimum passing score.
Occupational Therapists:
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 0673. This distance learning independent webinar is offered at .20 CEUs [intermediate, OT service delivery/ Foundational Knowledge]. AOTA does not endorse specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.
Physical Therapists: The Illinois Physical Therapy Board has approved this course for 2.0 Contact Hours. Approval #216-000069
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is recognized by California and the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of physical therapy and physical therapist assistant continuing education for 2.0 Contact Hours on 2/6/2026.
Many states accept continuing education contact hours recognized in other states, enabling professionals to use these hours to meet their licensing or certification requirements. Please consult your state regulations to see if this meets CEU requirements for your license.
Social Workers: Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is registered by the State of Illinois to sponsor continuing education programs for social workers.
This program will award 2.0 Continuing Education Credit Hours.
Sponsor License #159001466.
Speech-Language Pathologists:
DISCLOSURES
Course Directors and Planning Committee Members:
Julie Lenkiewicz, MS, CCC-SLP - Has nothing to disclose.
Melissa Kolski, PT, OCS, Dip MDT - Has nothing to disclose.
Leslie Marriott, OT - Has nothing to disclose.
Pamela Pfeifer, MS, RN, NPD-BC - Has nothing to disclose.
Speakers, Moderators and Panelists’ Disclosure Information:
Elissa Larkin, MS, CCC-SLP - Has nothing to disclose.
ACADEMY POLICIES
For a complete list of Academy policies and technology requirements, click here.
