Identification of Nonverbal Communication Tools for Use in Dementia

IntroductionNon-verbal communication remains a relatively unexplored area in dementia care with a lack of validated assessment tools available to measure non-verbal communication function in dementia. MethodsThis scoping review identifies assessment scales of nonverbal communication in dementia and evaluates the psychometric properties and clinical utility of these instruments. Relevant publications in English, from 1947 to 2017, were identified through an extensive search strategy in Medline, Psychinfo and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Cochrane and generic search engines (Google) and available off-line resources. Quality judgement criteria was formulated and used to evaluate the psychometric aspects of the scales. ResultsForty-one tools were identified measuring various communication channels including verbal, nonverbal (e.g., facial expressions, gestures, eye contact) and functional, communication means; within various settings and populations, for instance, those assessing cognition and verbal language difficulties secondary to stroke, aphasia and nonverbal cues associated with pain. A number of tools presented psychometrics qualities; only nine of the forty-one tools specifically focussed on nonverbal communication, however, comprehensive assessment of nonverbal communication function was not presented in majority of the identified tools. Two tools provided a detailed assessment of nonverbal communication, the Emory dyssemia Index (EDI) and the Threadgold Communication Tool (TCT). ConclusionBased on the psychometric qualities and criteria regarding sensitivity and clinical utility, we concluded that although it is difficult to recommend one particular tool, the EDI and TCT are the most appropriate scales currently available. Further research should focus on improving these scales by further testing their validity, reliability and clinical utility in dementia.