Challenges for Emergency Physicians in Managing Patients with Communication Disorders and Solutions

Introduction : Language, speech and communication disorders pose significant barriers to accessing healthcare services and complicate patient-physician communication, particularly in emergency departments. Emergency departments in [Blinded for Review] have a structure that further complicates these challenges due to factors such as high patient volumes, time constraints and the refugee population. This situation can negatively affect patient safety and treatment processes. Objective : This study aims to understand the challenges faced by emergency department physicians in [Blinded for Review] when treating patients with language, speech, and communication disorders, to offer solutions to these challenges, and to contribute to making healthcare services more inclusive. Method : The study, conducted using qualitative research methods, involved semi-structured interviews with 60 emergency department physicians working at seven different hospitals in [Blinded for Review]. The data were evaluated using thematic analysis, and five main themes were identified: physicians' perspectives, challenges faced, the need for speech and language therapists, comparisons with other countries, and alternative communication methods. Findings : Despite having knowledge about language and speech disorders, physicians are insufficient in resolving communication issues in practice. Serious challenges are encountered during the anamnesis, diagnosis, and treatment processes; the refugee population and multilingualism exacerbate these challenges. Physicians use alternative communication methods but do not sufficiently adopt augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Conclusion : It is recommended that speech and language therapists be employed in hospitals, that doctors' communication skills be improved, and that technological solutions be implemented. This study serves as an important guide for improving patient-doctor communication in emergency departments.