"AACHEN" e-Learning Tool in Augmentative and Alternative Communication for Medical Students in Germany:...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is crucial for medical doctors.
• Current medical curricula lack comprehensive AAC training.
• Existing AAC tools do not cater to the specific needs of medical students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate an innovative e-learning tool for AAC tailored to medical students in Germany.
• To assess the feasibility and potential impact of integrating AAC education into medical school.
• To address the gap in medical training regarding communication with patients using AAC.

Main Methods:

• Development of the "AACHEN" e-learning tool.
• Cross-sectional evaluation study conducted at Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Aachen.
• Assessment of the tool's suitability for medical education.

Main Results:

• The AACHEN tool represents a novel approach to AAC education for medical students.
• The study underscores the significance of AAC proficiency for physicians.
• The developed tool is a foundational step towards integrating AAC into medical training.

Conclusions:

• Universities should incorporate AAC into medical lectures to better prepare students for clinical practice.
• The AACHEN tool serves as a pioneering resource for medical AAC education.
• Enhanced AAC training can improve doctor-patient communication and healthcare outcomes.