Our books in health and social care
“It seems to me that Beyond Words is very much at the forefront of a cultural shift in the growing autonomy of differently abled people, and society’s view of their potentiality.”
Image taken from Going into Hospital, illustrated by Denise Redmond
Image taken from Going to the Dentist, illustrated by Beth Webb
Using Books Beyond Words in life planning and social care
Focuses on the things that are important to each person, your likes and dislikes, experiences you’ve had and how these things make you feel. All these things matter!
You can choose a life event or experience to explore: moving house, making friends and having relationships, keeping safe and healthy and finding a job or volunteering, as well as more difficult things like bereavement, abuse and end of life.
Taking the time to listen and understand a person will help social care professionals provide the support each person’s need to live the life they choose.
Good communication is the heart of safe, effective and compassionate health care.
People with learning disabilities already face significant health inequalities, with 49% of their deaths due to avoidable causes.
Diagnostic overshadowing - where a healthcare professional attributes a patient’s symptoms to an existing condition, like their disability - can play a significant role.
Our picture stories help by improving communications between professionals and patients. They explain what is happening, showing procedures and opening conversations around what happens in places like a GP’s office, a hospital, and more.
Download our free screening leaflets or use the short stories on our app to get started on improving communication.
By reading our books together, professionals and patients take the time to listen to and understand each other. Patients can talk about their worries and ask questions, while health and social care professionals will find it easier to explain with a visual guide. Patients are empowered to speak up and make their own decisions.
Using Books Beyond Words in clinical interactions:
reduces anxiety
builds understanding and trust between patient and practitioner
empowers people to be more involved in decision-making and to manage their own health
improves health care outcomes and reduces health inequalities
are just as important whether someone is physically ill or has mental health issues
Make communication accessible
