Alternative Communication Methods Research Articles

A study on the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Scenario Test for people with chronic stroke-induced aphasia: A cross-sectional study.

The Scenario Test is recognised for its effectiveness in assessing the interactive aspects of functional communication in people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). To develop a Japanese version of the Scenario Test (Scenario Test-JP) and assess its reliability and validity. Among 66 participants, we selected 61 individuals: 34 PWA and 27 healthy controls (HCs). We modified the Scenario Test-JP based on the UK version and subsequently evaluated its reliability (internal consistency, test-retest and intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities) and validity (convergent and discriminant) by comparing PWA and HCs. The Scenario Test-JP showed strong reliability with a Cronbach's α of 0.93, test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.97, intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.95-1.00, and inter-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.96. The validity of the test was confirmed with concurrent scores ranging from ρ = 0.37 to 0.76 (p < 0.05) and known-groups validity (p < 0.001, r = -0.56). The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP align with those of the original Dutch version and the UK and Greek versions. Additionally, the assessment can now include extended alternative communication methods, such as digital devices, indicating the potential of the Scenario Test-JP for modern Japanese speech-language therapy. What is already known on the subject Interactive communication is a facet of functional communication and is crucial for evaluating engagement and participation of people with aphasia (PWA) in speech-language therapy. The Scenario Test provides valuable information for planning speech-language treatment strategies by assessing dialogic communication. What this study adds This study describes the development of the Scenario Test-JP for use with Japanese speakers and Japanese PWA, which is adapted from the Scenario Test UK version. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of this assessment tool and provided supporting evidence. What are the clinical implications of this work? The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP were consistent with those of the Dutch, UK and Greek versions. The Scenario Test-JP contributes to speech-language therapy in Japan, where high-quality support for the activities and participation of PWA is required. Insights from the Scenario Test The Scenario Test plays a crucial role in evaluating the functional communication skills of people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). Enhancing functional communication has been linked to improved social engagement among PWA, which in turn influences their overall quality of life (QOL). Issues addressed by the Scenario Test The Scenario Test aids in delineating rehabilitation objectives for activities and participation among PWA, particularly concerning functional communication. The test facilitates tailored support for PWAs' interactive communication and forms the foundation for appropriate speech-language therapy interventions. Transformation of speech-language therapy (SLT) in Japan through the introduction of the Scenario Test-JP The integration of the Scenario Test-JP could enhance the SLT services provided to PWA in Japan. With Japan experiencing an unprecedented ageing population, the prevalence of social isolation and diminished QOL resulting from communication disorders like stroke-induced aphasia is expected to rise. Consequently, the SLT rehabilitation sector in Japan is actively seeking effective interventions to support functional communication among PWA. Hence, the adoption of the Scenario Test-JP is anticipated to streamline the evaluation of functional communication, facilitating the judicious selection and timely provision of assistance to PWA in SLT, including guidance on communication partner support and communication skill training.

Autism's Impact on Cochlear Implantation Surgery Outcomes in Deaf Children.

Cochlear implants (CI) provide a hearing sense for severe to profound hearing-impaired patients, both adults and children, and they are a broadly effective and accepted therapeutic method for those patients. Also, Deaf children with comorbidities, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), undergo cochlear implantation. ASDs are a group of developing disorders characterized by abnormalities in social interaction and communication with limited repetitive patterns of behavior. This study aimed to assess the effect of Autism on CI surgery outcomes in Deaf Children. We followed 12 autistic patients with cochlear implantation and 12 non-autistic cochlear-implanted patients for two years. The Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP) and Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR) scores were used to assess 6, 12, and 24 months after cochlear implantation surgery. During the 24-month follow-up, the CAP means scores increased in both groups, and SIR and CAP progresses were considerably greater in non-ASD children (P<0.001). However, in ASD children, the progress of CAP and SIR variables were significant, with 99% and 95% confidence, respectively, at 24 months after surgery. Although the CIs could improve hearing performance in autistic patients, speech development after CIs in autistic children could affected by several factors, including the severity of autism, and this can be effective in providing pre-implant counseling to parents. The application of the alternative communication methods could be taken into account as a potential rehab technique.

Expanding the Phenotypic Spectrum of TRAF7-Related Cardiac, Facial, and Digital Anomalies With Developmental Delay: Report of 11 New Cases and Literature Review

BackgroundTRAF7-related cardiac, facial, and digital anomalies with developmental delay (CAFDADD), a multisystemic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by germline missense variants in the TRAF7 gene, exhibits heterogeneous clinical presentations. MethodsWe present a detailed description of 11 new TRAF7-related CAFDADD cases, featuring eight distinct variants, including a novel one. ResultsPhenotypic analysis and a comprehensive review of the 58 previously reported cases outline consistent clinical presentations, emphasizing dysmorphic features, developmental delay, endocrine manifestations, and cardiac defects. In this enlarged collection, novelties include a wider range of cognitive dysfunction, with some individuals exhibiting normal development despite early psychomotor delay. Communication challenges, particularly in expressive language, are prevalent, necessitating alternative communication methods. Autistic traits, notably rigidity, are observed in the cohort. Also, worth highlighting are hearing loss, sleep disturbances, and endocrine anomalies, including growth deficiency. Cardiac defects, frequently severe, pose early-life complications. Facial features, including arched eyebrows, contribute to the distinct gestalt. A novel missense variant, p.(Arg653Leu), further underscores the complex relationship between germline TRAF7 variants and somatic changes linked to meningiomas. ConclusionsOur comprehensive analysis expands the phenotypic spectrum, emphasizing the need for oncological evaluations and proposing an evidence-based schedule for clinical management. This study contributes to a better understanding of TRAF7-related CAFDADD, offering insights for improved diagnosis, intervention, and patient care.

Health researchers’ efforts in bridging evidence into policy and decision making in Malawi

Background: Health research is typically disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic forums. However, evidence suggests limited exploration of alternative communication methods for effective knowledge dissemination.Objectives: This study aimed to determine the extent to which policymakers in Malawi consult health researchers while translating their knowledge. This study aimed to determine the post-research endeavours of Malawian health researchers to incorporate research findings into policy and decision making.Method: Conducted at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), this cross-sectional study employed a 5-point Likert scale survey to collect data from researchers, offering a snapshot view without indicating temporal changes or causality.Results: Researchers rarely created suggestions, take-home messages, or actionable instructions for use by health officials. They seldom give users access to a searchable database of papers, studies, and syntheses that summarise recommendations for policymakers in the field of health. They seldom send reprints of papers from scientific publications to decision-makers. Few researchers have created summaries of articles or systematic reviews for health officials’ use.Conclusion: Traditional channels, such as journals and conferences, dominate the dissemination of health research. However, limited evidence suggests the need for broader communication strategies. The current landscape lacks effective products and methods, urging researchers to produce accessible formats with clear, key messages to address policy questions.Contribution: Researchers should develop research products in compelling formats by using clear key messages. The summarised evidence should answer important policy questions. Researchers should involve the media to communicate their research outputs.

Evaluation of OFDM system in terms of PAPR and BER using PAPR Reduction Techniques : Windowing and Clipping

The issue of transferring signals in a non-intrusive and efficient manner is highly intriguing. Consequently, the utilisation of the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) transmission technology is employed due to its enhanced resilience against multipath fading and its ability to achieve better efficiency compared to alternative wireless communication methods. Although the PAPR issue offers certain benefits, it poses undesirable consequences for OFDM, leading to a significant decrease in data transmission rate. Consequently, the mitigation of peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) issues leads to an improvement in the quality of service. The reduction of PAPR can be achieved by the implementation of clipping and windowing techniques. These approaches arrange the signal into discrete levels of similar magnitude and apply clipping to minimise the bit error rate (BER), resulting in a drop in PAPR. The proposed approach is implemented using the MATLAB software.

Podpora rozvíjania komunikačných zručností u jednotlivcov s mentálnym postihnutím prostredníctvom alternatívnej a augmentatívnej komunikácie

The presented contribution focuses on appropriate support for developing communication skills in individuals with intellectual disabilities. We primarily deal with alternative and augmentative communication methods for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Further in the paper, we emphasize the aspects that must be taken into account in the correct selection of appropriate methods of supporting speech development in augmentative alternative communication.

Semantic Similarity of Common Verbal Expressions in Older Adults through a Pre-Trained Model

Health problems in older adults lead to situations where communication with peers, family and caregivers becomes challenging for seniors; therefore, it is necessary to use alternative methods to facilitate communication. In this context, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods are widely used to support this population segment. Moreover, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), and specifically, machine learning algorithms, AAC can be improved. Although there have been several studies in this field, it is interesting to analyze common phrases used by seniors, depending on their context (i.e., slang and everyday expressions typical of their age). This paper proposes a semantic analysis of the common phrases of older adults and their corresponding meanings through Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques and a pre-trained language model using semantic textual similarity to represent the older adults’ phrases with their corresponding graphic images (pictograms). The results show good scores achieved in the semantic similarity between the phrases of the older adults and the definitions, so the relationship between the phrase and the pictogram has a high degree of probability.

Assessment of families'experience with care integration within an aerodigestive program.

The objective of this study was to assess if enrollment in a pediatric multidisciplinary aerodigestive program significantly impacted families' experiences with care integration. A previously validated 48-question Pediatric Integrated Care Survey (PICS) was administered in a cross-sectional manner to both new (new-ADC) and established (est-ADC) patients presenting for an outpatient Aerodigestive Center visit at Boston Children's Hospital. Survey results were grouped into the following five care coordination domains: (1) access to care, (2) care goal creation/planning, (3) family impact, (4) communication with health care providers, and (5) team functioning. Families were asked to rate their care integration experiences in the prior 12 months using yes/no and Likert-based questions. Comparisons were analyzed using logistic regression. Factor analysis was also performed. Ninety patient families were surveyed: 54 (60%) est-ADC patients and 36 (40%) new-ADC patients. Est-ADC patients reported higher levels of experience with team functioning, provider awareness of prior testing, provider communication, and access to alternative methods of communication. Self-identified non-White patients reported lower satisfaction in team functioning and provider understanding of their child's long-term care plan. No significant differences in care integration experiences before and after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic were seen. Patients enrolled in aerodigestive centers experienced improved care integration, most significantly in provider communication and team functioning. Despite these improvements, self-identified non-White families reported a lower care integration experience.

The process of reacquiring new vocalization in total laryngectomy patients with head and neck cancer: A qualitative study

ObjectiveSpeech rehabilitation significantly contributes to the enhanced quality of life for patients who have undergone laryngectomy due to head and neck cancer. The initiation of tracheoesophageal speech early in the rehabilitation process has been associated with improved speech quality. Despite this, voice changes can carry a stigma due to communication challenges, even after successful voice restoration, potentially limiting the overall improvement in quality of life. Thus, our aim was to gain a profound understanding of the transition process from the selection to the adaptation of tracheoesophageal speech in patients with head and neck cancer. MethodsParticipants, who had undergone laryngectomy for head and neck cancer, were recruited from peer support groups in Japan, resulting in the identification of thirteen tracheoesophageal speakers. The data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology, incorporating open, axial, and selective coding. Semi-structured interviews delved into tracheoesophageal speakers' perceptions of their voices and the adaptive strategies employed for their preferred alternative communication methods. ResultsDuring the adaptation process, participants underscored the importance of communicating with their own voices. However, they also experienced anxiety about losing their natural voice, confronted the reality of living without a voice, and coped with their new voice. Eventually, participants came to recognize the changed voice as their own. ConclusionsThe personal conviction associated with the notion of “communicating with one's own voice” is integral to the adaptation process for patients with head and neck cancer who undergo laryngectomies and utilize tracheoesophageal speech. Some aspects of tracheoesophageal speech can evoke feelings of hopelessness, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support for professional speech rehabilitation.

Mind Control Robotic Arm: Augmentative and Alternative Communication in the Classroom Environment

In recent years, technological advancements have greatly benefited the field of prosthetics. A large number of disabled people depend on prosthetics because they are an important technology. In order to provide augmentative and alternative methods of communication to these disabled people with various neuromuscular disorders, we must make sure they are provided with appropriate equipment to express themselves. Different types of arms are evaluated under robotic technology in terms of resistance, usability, flexibility, cost, and potential (such as robotic, surgical, bionic, prosthetic, and static arms). The main problems with these techniques are their high cost, the difficulty of installing and maintaining them, and the possibility of requiring surgery may arise. As a result, this paper is going to provide a description of the idea for combining an EEG controlled smart prosthetic arm with a smart robotic hand. An electrode headset is used to capture the signals from the robotic hand in order to control the device. Creating a robot arm that can help disabled people lead a more independent life is the main objective of this paper.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication and digital participation

Communication is a basic need for all people to fully participate in life. Persons with disabilities may face particular challenges in developing their communication skills and using them appropriately in different situations. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools and methods can assist individuals in this process. Increasing digitization has changed the way everyone communicates, and this offers opportunities for persons using AAC. This paper briefly outlines what has been achieved in terms of digitalization in AAC. The need for full, adapted access to technology is highlighted and research desiderata are identified.

Using crossmodal correspondences as a tool in wine communication.

This research investigates consumer acceptance of alternative methods for communicating information about wine, focusing on the alignment between sensory attributes and consumer expectations. A survey was administered to wine enthusiasts to assess their attitudes toward crossmodal communication. The findings reveal significant associations between consumer behaviors and acceptance of alternative communication methods, highlighting the emerging field of crossmodal correspondences. These results suggest that leveraging crossmodal correspondences can enhance the match between a product's sensory qualities and consumer expectations, potentially reducing wine wastage resulting from unmet consumer preferences. These findings have implications for improving communication strategies in the wine industry and enhancing consumer experiences.

Učinkovitost uvođenja potpomognute komunikacije kod djeteta s prirođenim malformacijama mozga

The clinical population of children with congenital brain malformations is very heterogeneous, being defined by the location and severity of the damaged part of the brain. Developmental profiles range from severe intellectual difficulties and inability to express through speech to milder clinical presentation that imply difficulties in the development of communication, language and speech. Children with congenital brain malformations often rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods which enable them to express themselves or better understand language. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of communication, language and speech in a boy with congenital brain mal- formations and primary microcephaly and to determine the effectiveness of the introduction of augmentative and alternative com- munication on his communication, language and speech development. The speech therapy intervention was organized for 5 months. A low-tech tool (a communication book) and a high-tech communication tool (a nonspecialized tablet) were used to achieve the set goals of the intervention. Communication development was recorded using video analysis, and comprehension and word production data were collected using the MacArthur—Bates Communicative Development Inventory (CDI). During the five months of intervention, positive changes were observed in the boys’: a) patterns of communication functions, i.e., the frequency with which he communicate for specific functions, b) language production: increase in vocabulary size and language complexity, and c) use of speech as a primary mean of communication. The changes in communication tool use pattern, particularly the significant gains in the use of speech after the introduction of augmentative and alternative communication, are consistent with previous re- search on the importance of augmentative and alternative communication as an evidence-based intervention.

My point of view: Students with intellectual and communicative disabilities express their views on speech and reading using Talking Mats

AbstractBackgroundIt can be challenging for people with intellectual disabilities to convey their thoughts and opinions because of cognitive, speech and language impairments. Consequently, facilitating their ability to communicate using augmentative and alternative communication methods is essential. The picture‐based framework Talking Mats has been applied in many studies and has been shown to be successful in facilitating communication and soliciting views from individuals with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties. The aim of this study was to describe the views of students with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties on speech and reading activities and to examine whether valence scores (from negative to positive) on these views were associated with performance on tests of their corresponding abilities.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional quantitative survey study. A group of 111 students with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties aged 7–21 were interviewed about their speech and reading activities using the visual framework Talking Mats. Their answers were scored on a three‐grade like‐dislike continuum and were correlated with their results on adapted tests of the corresponding abilities.FindingsThe students expressed their views on speech and reading activities. The scored views on speech were positively associated with speech production, and the scored views on reading activities were positively related to reading ability. This suggests that their opinions as expressed through Talking Mats were consistent and reliable.ConclusionsMost students with intellectual disabilities and communicative difficulties can reliably express their own opinions of their abilities when they are provided with a clear visual structure and pictorial support, such as Talking Mats. In this study, this was seen for students with a mild intellectual disability from age seven and onwards and for students with a more severe intellectual disability from 12 years of age and onwards.

Virtual Group Appointments Improve Outcomes in Veterans with Heart Failure During a Global Pandemic: A Quality Improvement Project.

This report on a quality improvement initiative describes a multi-professional approach to improving self-care behaviors and reducing hospitalizations in Veterans with heart failure (HF) by implementing virtual group appointments. Patients with HF are more susceptible to complications related to COVID-19 infection, creating the need for alternative communication methods for patient education during the social isolation and reduced health-care resources brought on by the global pandemic. From March 2020 to June 2021, 57 Veterans participated in 1 of 12 group appointments at the VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, Oregon. Each group was led by a multi-professional team who provided education on self-care behaviors, nutrition, medications, and mental health impacts of HF. Chart reviews and pre-/post-self-care behavior questionnaires showed that the virtual group HF appointments were associated with a decrease in hospitalizations, compared to previous data with the same population, and self-reported self-care behaviors improved from pre- to post-questionnaire. Group appointments offer a unique educational and motivational experience for those with HF and provide the ability to engage with each other during challenging times.

Voices from the frontline: practicing school social work in Greece during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This paper draws on interviews with seventeen school social workers in the Attica and Thessaloniki Regions regarding the challenges that they have faced and their responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings reveal a significant increase in the demands related to behavioural, mental and financial issues faced by students and their families; the inadequacy of means and sources of help, as well as the further deterioration of their working conditions. The limited readiness of school social workers for practicing social work with alternative methods of communication is also discussed. It is argued that in the light of the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic the wider dialogue in the social work profession and academia about the development and use of communication technology should be enhanced. Additionally, it is argued that this period may present an opportunity for school social workers to rethink their models of intervention towards those which draw from the critical tradition of social work and rights-based social work. These models may prove to be more effective in dealing with the complexity and length of the problems that the pandemic has created for professionals and their clients alike, leading to the further development of school social work in Greece.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Reorganization of a Rehabilitation Unit in Italy

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate and describe the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has determined in the organization of the Rehabilitation, particularly in the rehabilitative management of patients with acute infection and Long Covid syndrome. <h3>Design</h3> A survey was performed from May to August 2020, during the first pandemic surge. <h3>Setting</h3> The study was conducted at padua General Hospital - University, namely in the Rehabilitation Unit, Department of Neuroscience. <h3>Participants</h3> Patients referred to the Rehabilitation Unit completed the survey. <h3>Interventions</h3> A questionnaire was provided to each patient who accessed our outpatient clinics or who was contacted via digital devices. Patients completed the survey before the visit. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Not applicable. <h3>Results</h3> Overall, 121 questionnaires completed by patients were analysed. The study participants were 91 female and 30 male patients. The reorganization of the activities by establishing treatment priorities and continuing to ensure early rehabilitative interventions in acute conditions has been essential to rationalize the deployment of staff and personal protective equipment in the emergency. Patients with acute infections were generally rehabilitated in hospital settings, but patients with Long Covid syndrome were largely rehabilitated in out-of-hospital settings. During the pandemic surge, the volume of ambulatory visits had decreased by 70%. Of the remaining visits, approximately 50% were performed via e-mail, 30% telephonically and 20% (nonpostponable evaluations) in person. Data have shown that 81% of patients preferred face-to-face visits rather than alternative communication methods and only 9% preferred to avoid the ambulatory visit because of the fear of contagion. <h3>Conclusions</h3> As in-person evaluations and treatments have proven to be preferred by patients and hospitals cannot deal with the patient load during the pandemic, out-of-hospital alternatives, may be necessary, for example, to take care of patients with persistent outcomes after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection, such as fatigue or neurocognitive deficits. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflict of interests to declare.

СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЯ ВРАЧЕЙ О БАРЬЕРАХ В КОММУНИКАЦИИ С ПАЦИЕНТАМИ, ИМЕЮЩИМИ НАРУШЕНИЯ СЛУХА

The article discusses the issues of communication between doctors and patients with hearing impairments, including communication methods, communication barriers, the need for sign language interpreters to be present at a medical appointment and the effectiveness of communication using alternative communication methods. Communication problems are considered from the perspective of the lack of an accessible environment, as well as an understanding of sign language as a separate linguistic system. The aim of the study is to study the existing barriers of communication with patients with disabling hearing disorders in the practice of doctors. A theoretical review of domestic and foreign studies on the communication of patients with hearing impairments in the framework of medical admission is presented. Among the main problems of people with hearing impairments related to medical care the following ones were highlighted: the complexity of communication with a doctor affects the effectiveness and quality of medical care; access to sign language interpreter services is quite limited; insufficient provision of hearing disabled people with devices for doctor–patient communication is observed. The results presented in the article were obtained by means of a survey of 49 doctors of various specialties. The survey was aimed at studying the peculiarities of communication between medical personnel and patients with hearing impairments. The questionnaire questions were open. The analysis of the responses was carried out through content analysis. As a result, problematic areas in the communication of hearing-impaired patients and doctors were identified, these are: a lack of an individual approach to such patients within the medical care, a narrow understanding of disability, a lack of sufficient number of sign language interpreters and the need for medical organizations for additional specialized training of medical personnel. Further directions of research were also defined.

Retention in a 6-Month Smoking Cessation Study Among Alaska Native and American Indian People.

Participant retention in longitudinal health research is necessary for generalizable results. Understanding factors that correlate with increased retention could improve retention in future studies. Here, we describe how participant and study process measures are associated with retention in a longitudinal tobacco cessation research study performed in Anchorage, Alaska. Specifically, we conducted a secondary analysis exploring retention among 151 Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people and described our study processes using study retention categories from a recent meta-analysis. We found that our study processes influence retention among ANAI urban residents more than measures collected about the participant. For study process measures, calls where a participant answered and calls participants placed to the study team were associated with higher retention. Calls where the participant did not answer were associated with lower retention. For participant measures, only lower annual income was associated with lower retention at 6 weeks. Promoting communication from participants to the study team could improve retention, and alternative communication methods could be used after unsuccessful calls. Finally, categorizing our study retention strategies demonstrated that additional barrier-reduction strategies might be warranted.

Understanding The Usage Of Whatsapp Group During COVID-19 Pandemic Among Perak State Of Public Work Department Employees​

The COVID-19 pandemic has yet to find a comprehensive solution. Therefore, all employment sectors, whether public or private, have significantly changed their work environment since the Movement Control Order (MCO) implementation on March 18, 2020. Thus, most organizations began to adopt alternative communication methods to carry out routine tasks with social distancing, and no longer necessary to have a face-to-face meetings. All discussions and meetings have taken place online with the employee. Since many employees Work from Home (WFH), WhatsApp groups have become a viable option for discussing work matters during the pandemic. Besides, Malaysia's public service faces a challenge in adapting to this new normal of using digital technologies as a part of communication. Thus, the study focuses on the Perak State of Public Work Department. The qualitative study will using semi-structured interview questions among Perak State of Public Work Department employees. Ten (10) informants will be selected for this study. The sampling technique is non-probability sampling. The qualitative method is chosen due to the appropriateness of the study matter as it adds depth, details, and meaning. This study employs a Social Presence Theory and Media Richness Theory. Researchers need to understand its relation to social media usage in the organisation. Implications for conducting this study will provide findings to researchers to see the use of WhatsApp groups among employees in the Public Work Department. After that, the researcher can identify weaknesses, challenges, and problems arising from WhatsApp usage during the pandemic. The findings will be able to facilitate the Public Work Department to improve a more effective medium for communication between the organization, employees, and customers.