EFFICACY OF COMMUNICATION BOARD ON COMMUNICATION OF VERBALLY NON-COMMUNICATIVE PATIENTS AT SELECTED HOSPITAL IN MANGALORE

Background of the study By nature, humans are social and their needs are fulfilled in collaboration with other human beings through communication. The ability to communicate effectively is basic for human functioning and well being. Communication is the foundation of society. It is an integral and fundamental aspect of our social system and an accepted part of our daily life. Lack of effective communication stresses an individual and therefore, it is of vital importance that all human beings are ensured adequate means for communication especially when they are plagued by illness. Aim The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of communication board on communication of verbally non- communicative patients at selected hospital Mangalore. Objectives of the study were to: assess pre-test and post-test communication of verbally non-communicative patients. determine the effectiveness of communication board on communication among verbally non-communicative patients. find association between pre-test level of communication and selected demographic variables of verbally non-communicative patients. Method A quantitative research approach with non equivalent control group pre-test posttest design (quasi experimental) was adopted for the study. The conceptual framework of this study was based on Orem's Self Care Deficit Theory (1971) developed by Dorothea Orem. 40 verbally non- communicative patients were selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique (twenty patients in the experimental group and twenty patients in the control group). Communication board was administered to the experimental group. Data were collected using demographic proforma, semi structured questionnaire on assessment of communicative needs and non-verbal communication index (rating scale on verbally non-communicative communication pattern.