How to communicate better when wearing a mask

This can cause our patients to be easily confused and not understand what is happening to them.

We can’t change what we need to wear to protect ourselves and our patients – but we can change what we do to support these people in our care.

Before you start to talk

Understand if your patient has any issues with hearing, communication or cognition.
Make sure your patient knows you are there: a gentle arm touch or pat on the hand, announcing yourself clearly, or a big and obvious wave.
Gain their eye contact and attention before you start talking.
Turn off the TV and limit any visual distractions.
Be face level and at eye-to-eye.
Check if they have hearing aids, are wearing them and they are turned on.
Bring in paper and a thick pen or texta, or other resources you may need to support conversation.

Speak a little slower and pause between sentences.
Don’t yell or shout.
Use gestures to reinforce what you’re saying, or demonstrate what you want them to do.
Write down key messages.
Check your patient understands by asking them to repeat back their understanding of what has been said.
Use assisted communicative tools as required – ask your ward speech pathologist for more information.
Use eyes/eyebrows and other body language to emphasise points.

Title	Description	Link
Clinical stories: The impact of masks on successful communication	Case studies and stories about the impact of face masks on communication.	Download
Communicating with masks poster	A poster with tips and advice about how you can better communicate when wearing a face mask.	Download
Communicating with masks video presentation	A video presentation with tips and advice from a Speech Pathologist about how you can better communicate when wearing a face mask.	Watch video