For nurses working in patients' homes it is important to check whether or not patients can use the telephone. If they cannot, there may be some simple solutions such as moving the furniture, suggesting a hands-free telephone or one with a memory and answering facility. For information about communication strategies or communication aids that have a good quality voice and can be programmed to contain pre-stored phrases, local speech and language therapy departments or specialist communication aid centres can be contacted. Whether working with one of the newly established telephone healthlines or with people in their own homes, there is a need for nurses to recognise the importance of the telephone for people with communication disabilities. Being aware that there are services and adaptations available to people with communication difficulties and giving them the contacts to obtain help, may well improve the quality of life for people with communication difficulties.
Public understanding is the key to successful aided telephone communication.
The analysis of depth interviews. Aldershot, Gower Publishing. Director General of Telecoms. British Medical Journal. Augmentative and Alternative Communication.