A first attempt was made to introduce picture-based communication at a Swedish neonatal ward to facilitate communication with immigrant patients having fled their country of origin. Six members of staff were interviewed about their experiences using semi-structured dyadic interviews. Their answers were analysed using inductive content analysis, and the results were related to a theoretical framework called Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services. The staff found the pictures to be helpful in communication with refugees. They were motivated to use the pictorial support and experienced a great need for it. Two key prerequisites for successful implementation were identified: receiving training and having a person formally in charge of the implementation process.
Keywords: Communication; PARiHS; health professionals; language barriers; pictorial support; refugees.