Turning to transparent masks and the arts for communication strategies in healthcare
In November 2021, authors Paul Murphy, Dearbhail Lewis, and Gerard Gormley explored the relationship between masks and the face and how body language can play a role, in a study published in Perspectives on Medical Education. The authors also provided communication strategies to help guide healthcare workers when masks are used.
Masks can be a communication barrier
A previous study on healthcare workers’ attitudes on using masks when interacting with patients revealed that masks can be a communication barrier.
““Participants felt that the use of face masks/respirators to be ‘another barrier’, and that communication with patients became more difficult. Respondents also identified that they felt uneasy about inducing anxiety in patients whilst using face masks or respirators.””
Looking to the performing arts
Unsurprisingly, the performing arts can set an example of how to improve communication in healthcare. The authors emphasize that healthcare professionals can use their body language to convey emotion or emphasis, citing history in which performers used gestures and fewer, but greatly enunciated, words when speaking behind a mask as part of their costume.
““From the head tilt to the side, keeping eye contact and nodding appropriately variously demonstrate active listening to a patient’s concerns. Hand gestures can provide a powerful means of expressing empathy.””
Transparent masks as another solution
The authors also suggest transparent masks as a tool to help to reduce anxiety in patients and maintain strong communication. The ClearMask™ Transparent Surgical Mask is suggested, which can allow patients to see the full face, lip read, and observe any emotion or emphasis during verbal communication.
““Clear face masks permit patients to see their healthcare providers face whilst reducing infection transmission. Whilst primarily designed to facilitate lip-reading for those patients with a hearing impairment, such transparent face masks can also allow other patients to see the healthcare provider’s facial gestures and expressions.””
Example of a clear face mask that can permit a patient to see the facial gestures of their healthcare provider. - Murphy et al.
In an age where masks have become more prevalent in healthcare, it is more common for healthcare professionals to experience challenges of connecting with patients behind the mask. Along with transparent masks and awareness of body language, what other strategies can doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers use to overcome communication barriers?
To read the full study, click here.