Using different methods to communicate: how adults with severe acquired communication difficulties make decisions about the communication methods they use and how they experience them

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore how adults with severe acquired communication difficulties experience and make decisions about the communication methods they use. The primary objectives were to explore their perceptions of different communication methods, how they choose communication methods to use in different situations and with different communication partners, and what facilitates their decision-making. Method: A qualitative phenomenological approach was used. Data collection methods were face-to-face video-recorded interviews using each participant’s choice of communication method and e-mail interviews. The methodological challenges of involving participants with severe acquired communication disorders in research were addressed in the study design. Seven participants, all men, were recruited from a long-term care setting in a rehabilitation hospital. The data analysis process was guided by Colaizzi’s (1978) analytic framework. Results: Four main themes were identified: communicating in the digital age – e-mail and social media, encountering frustrations in using communication technologies, role and identity changes and the influences of communication technology and seeking a functional interaction using communication technologies. Conclusion: Adults with acquired communication difficulties find digital communication, such as e-mail and social media, and mainstream technologies, such as iPads, beneficial in communicating with others. Current communication technologies present a number of challenges for adults with disabilities and are limited in their communicative functions to support desired interactions. The implications for AAC technology development and speech and language therapy service delivery are addressed.Implications for RehabilitationAdults with severe acquired communication difficulties can make significant contributions to AAC research through the use of multi-modal methods to express themselves.Adults with acquired communication difficulties find mainstream technologies and digital communications, such as social media, beneficial, and sometimes preferred when communicating with others.Current AAC technologies limit functional interactions for those with communication difficulties and technology development is needed.Speech and Language Therapists need to work in partnership with adults with acquired communication difficulties in AAC decision-making and tailor interventions to clients’ specific goals and needs.