Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods in physiotherapy : Self-learning material for physiotherapy students

Abstract

Communication is one of the main elements in physiotherapy. Communicating by verbal speech is the most common type of communication between client and professional, yet not only. There are approximately 65 000 people only in Finland, who have speech and communication limitations or difficulties. Lack of communication tools might be crucial for achieving high-performance client care. Augmentative and alternative communication methods are a key for communicating with clients with whom we cannot just talk with normal speech with.

The aim of this thesis was to find evidence-based information on AAC methods and how those can be used in physiotherapy. The objective of this thesis was to provide physiotherapy students in any point of their studies a possibility to endorse their skills in communicating with Augmentative and Alternative Communication methods.

After collecting knowledge about Augmentative and alternative communication and finding the connections to physiotherapy, a self-study material was made based on that theory base. The educational material was completed using the Moodle learning platform, and the content was created utilizing H5P, an open-source framework for collaborative content development built upon JavaScript.

It was found out that the need of AAC use in physiotherapy is recognized, but many physiotherapists are not educated to use the methods. With this educational material future physiotherapists have an opportunity to enhance their knowledge.