Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Incorporating AAC Training in Nursing Education Programs to Enhance Understanding of Caring for Patients with Complex Communication Needs
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Communication Disorders
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Stephanie Schaaf
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
As healthcare professionals, nurses must be able to effectively communicate with their patients to ensure their health, safety, and comfort. However, this can be particularly challenging when it comes to patients with complex communication needs (CCN), where communication breakdowns can lead to sentinel events. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices can help those with CCN improve communication, including in healthcare settings. Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of training for nurses when it comes to communicating with patients with CCN and the use of AAC devices. In 2024, Hanna Hill Webb investigated the effectiveness of a combined synchronous and asynchronous training and education program for nursing students, covering the use of AAC devices when communicating with patients with CCN. The purpose of the present study was to replicate Webb’s research to build upon its findings and add to the literature on effective training and educational methods for nursing students, especially as it relates to increasing knowledge about using AAC with patients with CCN.
Fall Scholars Week 2024 Event
Honors College Senior Thesis Presentations
Incorporating AAC Training in Nursing Education Programs to Enhance Understanding of Caring for Patients with Complex Communication Needs
As healthcare professionals, nurses must be able to effectively communicate with their patients to ensure their health, safety, and comfort. However, this can be particularly challenging when it comes to patients with complex communication needs (CCN), where communication breakdowns can lead to sentinel events. Alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices can help those with CCN improve communication, including in healthcare settings. Unfortunately, there is a severe lack of training for nurses when it comes to communicating with patients with CCN and the use of AAC devices. In 2024, Hanna Hill Webb investigated the effectiveness of a combined synchronous and asynchronous training and education program for nursing students, covering the use of AAC devices when communicating with patients with CCN. The purpose of the present study was to replicate Webb’s research to build upon its findings and add to the literature on effective training and educational methods for nursing students, especially as it relates to increasing knowledge about using AAC with patients with CCN.