Using longitudinal qualitative research to explore the experience of receiving and using augmentative and alternative...

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research methodology
• Communication disability studies
• Patient-reported outcome measures

Background:

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) can benefit individuals with communication difficulties.
• Understanding AAC outcomes requires measures reflecting daily life participation and evolving expectations.
• Limited understanding exists on concepts for evaluating AAC outcomes and how expectations change over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand people's expectations from AAC and how these evolve over time.
• To inform the development of a patient-reported outcome measure for AAC.
• To explore the dynamic nature of AAC use and its impact on individuals.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year longitudinal qualitative study with seven participants using AAC.
• Four semi-structured interviews were conducted at key stages: pre-assessment, post-assessment, post-provision, and 6-12 months later.
• An original analytic method based on longitudinal interpretative phenomenology and a dialogic lens was employed.

Main Results:

• Confirmed and extended core concepts: changes, contexts, and future possibilities.
• Identified contextual and temporal influences on AAC outcomes through cross-case comparison.
• Enhanced understanding of evolving hopes and expectations associated with AAC use.

Conclusions:

• The study offers new insights into the experiences of individuals using AAC and their shifting identities.
• It highlights the dynamic nature of AAC experience, influenced by context and personal factors.
• Presents an original longitudinal qualitative methodology applicable to communication disability research.