INCLUSIVE COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE: PERSPECTIVES OF PEOPLE WHO STUTTER AND PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Inclusive communication in healthcare is a significant dimension of contemporary social transformation, influencing the quality of relationships between patients and healthcare professionals and the level of equity in access to healthcare services. This study examines the mutual attitudes and communication practices of adults who stutter and healthcare professionals. The study is exploratory and draws on empirical material from 10 individual in-depth interviews conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. The sample selection was purposive and comprised two groups: adults who stutter and representatives of the medical community, including physicians of various specialties, a laboratory diagnostician, and a physiotherapist. Data analysis was conducted according to the principles of thematic analysis. The results indicate that communication relationships between the studied groups are shaped by a complex system of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural attitudes. Healthcare professionals often adopt an overly cautious approach, leading to simplified communication. At the same time, people who stutter report using a variety of adaptive strategies that allow them to function within the healthcare system, although this does not eliminate the experience of communication barriers or subtle forms of stigmatization. The analysis also reveals discrepancies in the assessment of communication competences between the two sides and indicates insufficient preparation of medical personnel to work with patients with diverse communication needs. The results emphasize the importance of developing inclusive communication competences as part of the professionalization of medical education. Systematic training in this area can help strengthen patients' sense of empowerment and build more collaborative relationships in healthcare.