Completed

NCT Number: NCT02931669

Meaning, Value and Purpose of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

The perception of disability has changed throughout history, and today, people who previously did not have a way to communicate are able to express themselves through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). However, the potential of AAC is not being fully realised and devices are often abandoned. It is therefore essential to hear the voice of those who use it and those who interact with them on a daily basis, in order to find out what the meaning, value and purpose of AAC is for them. This will support SLTs in directing intervention and establishing priorities, as well as in advocating for funding and acknowledging the voice of AAC users. The study uses a qualitative descriptive approach, using thematic analysis to establish emerging themes from surveys completed by AAC users, family members, health professionals, teachers, and face to face interviews with children who use AAC.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Meaning, Value and Purpose of AAC

Age range

Up to 100 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Trinity College Dublin

Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland

About this study

Research indicates that AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) has the potential to change the lives of many people with complex communication needs, but is often under-utilised and/or abandoned. Therefore, the research aims to investigate the meaning, value, and purpose of AAC for different stakeholder groups, as well as to what extent these are shared or unique? This information will support Speech and Language Therapists to understand the meaning, value, and purpose of AAC for key stakeholders, and therefore adapt intervention to meet these needs. It can also support families considering AAC in decision making. Participants can also benefit through reflecting on what AAC means to them. It is also an important part of evidence based practice to listen to the voice of the client and family.

A qualitative descriptive study is proposed, utilising thematic analysis. The study will be implemented using a survey which will be presented in different formats (paper/online/face-to-face) depending on the stakeholder. It will investigate the perceptions of people who use AAC, family members, teaching staff and health professionals who work with AAC users. Family members, adult AAC users, teachers and health professionals will receive a link to an online survey, distributed by professional groups and charities. Parents of children attending local special schools will be given paper copies of the survey. Face to face interviews with up to 5 children who use AAC will also be carried out at local special schools, following consent from the parents. Interviews will be conducted by a trained Speech and Language Therapist using symbols to support communication via a Talking Mats style approach,and children will be accompanied by an adult. It is estimated that interviews will last between 20 and 30 minutes.

Participants filling in the paper or online survey are encouraged to write as much or as little as they like; it is estimated that it will take around 10 minutes to complete, although others may spend longer.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Those who use AAC (both children and adults), their family members and carers, and health professionals and teaching staff who work with AAC users.

Children who use AAC will be aged between 4 and 18 years of age. There is no age limit on other participants

Exclusion criteria

Those who do not meet the inclusion criteria. No other exclusion criteria have been applied.

Treatment and study plan

Qualitative Descriptive Study

Other

Primary outcomes

Thematic Analysis of Survey Data

Time frame: 08/2017

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Dublin, Trinity College

Other

Collaborators

National Health Service, United Kingdom

Registry information

Official study title

What Does AAC Mean to You?: An Exploration of the Meaning and Value of AAC to Users and Stakeholders.(AAC: Augmentative and Alternative Communication)

Acronym: AAC

Important dates

Study start: 2016
Primary completion: 2017
Study completion: 2017
First posted: Oct 13, 2016
Registry last updated: Oct 27, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.