Talking Mats in a discussion group for people with Huntington’s disease

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the function of Talking Mats (TM) in a discussion group for people with Huntington’s disease (HD). Method: Four persons with HD and their group leader participated. The group was videotaped during four discussions, two with and two without TM. A mixed method quantitative and qualitative study was implemented by evaluating the conversations using the protocol Effectiveness Framework of Functional Communication by analyzing the number of follow-up questions and by post discussion interviews. Results: The results showed improved effectiveness of communication for all participants and an increased number of follow-up questions, both from the group leader and from some of the participants. All participants and the leader were positive regarding the use of TM but there were also drawbacks. Conclusions: TM could be useful in discussion groups for people with HD. An increased number of follow-up questions when TM is used may lead to a deeper understanding within the group. This study is the first of its kind and more research in the area is needed.Implications for RehabilitationHuntington’s disease (HD) comprises motor, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, which all affect communication.The low-tech, graphic resource Talking Mats (TM) has been shown to increase communicative effectiveness for persons with HD in two part conversations.Effectiveness of communication is improved both individually and for the group when TM is used in multi party interaction.