The communication environment in a Maltese institutional setting

Abstract

The study was intended to describe the communication environment in a Maltese institutional setting for the elderly. For the purposes of the study it was necessary to include both the description of the physical environment as well as the perceptions of the residents and staff on communication. In agreement with previous findings it was hypothesized that being an institution, the environment would be communication-impaired. The study was carried out in only three of the wards of the institution: in a male ward, a female ward and a mixed ward. The physical environment of the semi randomly selected wards was described using an observational checklist. Twelve residents from the wards were helped to answer a questionnaire on their perceptions of communication. In addition, questionnaires on views regarding communication were 111 distributed to the nursing staff on duty in the wards. Twelve staff members participated in the study. The data obtained from the checklist and questionnaires was analysed mainly qualitatively. The results obtained were indicative of characteristics of a communication impaired environment. Interpretations of the results were proposed and methodological limitations put forward. Recommendations based on the data were suggested.