scholarly journals A Case for Increased Rigor in AAC Research: A Methodological Quality Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jay Ganz ◽  
James E Pustejovsky ◽  
Joe Reichle ◽  
Kimberly Vannest ◽  
Margaret Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Challenging Behavior ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Review Reports

This comprehensive review reports on methodological quality of 162 single-case studies on augmentative and alternative communication for communication and challenging behavior in individuals diagnosed with autism or intellectual disabilities and with complex communication needs. Following review for inclusion criteria, documents were excluded if they failed to meet basic methodological standards. Each remaining study was evaluated for 10 detailed quality criteria. No studies met all standards without reservations. Only three of the included studies met all of the standards with reservations and the remainder met some but not all standards, with or without reservations. The included studies reported adequate detail for half of the quality indicators, but insufficient details for participant, setting, maintenance, and generalization, and social validity descriptions. An increased quantity and quality of research were found in over four decades. More recent studies have adequately reported half of the criteria investigated, including describing the materials, defining the outcome variables, describing baseline and intervention procedures, and evaluating procedural integrity. After identifying quality features, the authors report in more detail on low rated quality indicators particularly relevant to studies addressing social-communication interventions. The literature infrequently reported race, ethnicity, or home language. Future research should report characteristics of participants to ensure that research becomes representative of the population.

Effects of Interventions That Include Aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication Input on the Communication of Individuals With Complex Communication Needs: A Meta-Analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (7) ◽  
pp. 1743-1765 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tara O'Neill ◽  
Janice Light ◽  
Lauramarie Pope
Keyword(s):  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Experimental Designs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Aided Aac ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Aided Language Stimulation

PurposeThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions that included aided AAC input (e.g., aided AAC modeling, aided language modeling, aided language stimulation, augmented input) on communicative outcomes (both comprehension and expression) for individuals with developmental disabilities who use AAC.MethodA systematic search resulted in the identification of 26 single-case experimental designs (88 participants) and 2 group experimental designs (103 participants). Studies were coded in terms of participants, intervention characteristics, dependent variables, outcomes, and quality of evidence.ResultsAAC interventions that included aided AAC input in isolation, or as part of a multicomponent intervention, were found to be highly effective across participants of various ages, disabilities, and language skills. The interventions typically included aided AAC input in conjunction with expectant delay, direct prompting (e.g., spoken, gestural), contingent responding, and open-ended questions. The interventions were found to be highly effective in supporting both comprehension and expression across the domains of pragmatics, semantics, and morphosyntax. Outcomes related to expression were reported more often than outcomes related to comprehension.ConclusionAided AAC input may reduce input–output asymmetry and enhance expression and comprehension for individuals who use AAC; the evidence suggests that partners should utilize this strategy. Future research is needed to investigate the effects of AAC input (aided and unaided) on long-term language development for individuals who require AAC.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6394364

“My World Has Expanded Even Though I'm Stuck at Home”: Experiences of Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Who Use Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Social Media

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 680-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Caron ◽  
Janice Light
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Communication Modes ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

PurposeThis study aimed to expand the current understanding of how persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pALS) use augmentative and alternative communication and social media to address their communication needs.MethodAn online focus group was used to investigate the experiences of 9 pALS who use augmentative and alternative communication and social media. Questions posed to the group related to (a) current use of social media, (b) advantages of social media, (c) barriers to independent use, (d) supports to independent use, and (e) recommendations for developers, policy makers, and other pALS.ResultsParticipants primarily reported that use of social media was a beneficial tool that provided increased communication opportunities, connections to communication partners, and networks of support. Specific results are discussed with reference to the research as well as implications for practice and recommendations for future research.ConclusionsAs individuals with ALS experience loss of function, some communication modes may no longer be viable. Providing access to different modes of communication, including social media, can allow independence, participation and better quality of life.

scholarly journals Pain management programmes via video conferencing: a rapid review

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jackie Walumbe ◽  
Joletta Belton ◽  
Diarmuid Denneny
Keyword(s):  
Pain Management ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Video Conferencing ◽  
Mesh Term ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chronic Pain Conditions ◽  
Pain Services

AbstractObjectivesDuring the current COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare has been transformed by the rapid switch from in person care to use of remote consulting, including video conferencing technology. Whilst much has been published on one-to-one video consultations, little literature exists on use of this technology to facilitate group interventions. Group pain management programmes are a core treatment provided by many pain services. This rapid review aimed to identify the extent of use of video conferencing technology for delivery of group pain management programmes and provide an overview of its use.MethodsA rapid review of the literature published up to April 2020 (PubMed, PsycINFO and PEDro) was performed. The search string consisted of three domains: pain/CP (MeSH term) AND Peer group[MeSH] AND Videoconferencing[MeSH]/Telemedicine[MeSH]/Remote Consultation[MeSH]. The studies were of poor methodological quality and study design, and interventions and chronic pain conditions were varied.ResultsLiterature searching yielded three eligible papers for this review. All studies had low methodological quality and risk of bias. Heterogeneity and variability in outcome reporting did not allow any pooling of data. The results demonstrated that videoconferencing for delivery of group programmes is possible, yet there is little extant literature on how to develop, deliver and measure outcomes of such programmes.ConclusionsThis review demonstrates that there is little evidence to support or guide the use of synchronous videoconferencing to deliver pain management programmes. We present issues to consider, informed by this review and our experience, when implementing video conferencing. Study quality of existing work is variable, and extensive future research is necessary.

Rating the methodological quality of single-subject designs andn-of-1 trials: Introducing the Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) Scale

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 385-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn L Tate ◽  
Skye Mcdonald ◽  
Michael Perdices ◽  
Leanne Togher ◽  
Regina Schultz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Design ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Single Subject ◽  
Single Subject Designs

scholarly journals Psychometric properties of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy: a COSMIN systematic review protocol

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett Williams ◽  
Bronwyn Beovich
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Psychometric Properties ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Measurement Properties ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Health Measurement ◽  
Jefferson Scale Of Empathy

Abstract Background Empathy is an important characteristic to possess for healthcare professionals. It has been found to improve communication between professionals and patients and to improve clinical health outcomes. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) was developed to measure this quality and has been used extensively, and psychometrically appraised, with a variety of cohorts and in different cultural environments. However, no study has been undertaken to systematically examine the methodological quality of studies which have assessed psychometric factors of the JSE. This systematic review will examine the quality of published papers that have reported on psychometric factors of the JSE. Methods A systematic review of studies which report on the psychometric properties of the JSE will be conducted. We will use a predefined search strategy to identify studies meeting the following eligibility criteria: original data is reported on for at least one of the psychometric measurement properties described in the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) Risk of Bias checklist, examines the JSE in a healthcare cohort (using the student, physician or health profession versions of the JSE), and is published from January 2001 and in the English language. Conference abstracts, editorials and grey literature will be excluded. Six electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsychInfo, PubMed, Web of Science and CINAHL) will be systematically searched for articles meeting these criteria and studies will be assessed for eligibility by two review authors. The methodological quality of included papers will be examined using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Discussion A narrative description of the findings will be presented along with summary tables. Recommendations for use of the JSE with various cohorts and circumstances will be offered which may inform future research in this field. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42018111412

Adaptation to Technology Use in Families of Children With Complex Communication Needs: An Integrative Review and Family Theory Application

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-178
Author(s):  
Patricia West ◽  
Marcia Van Riper ◽  
Gwen Wyatt ◽  
Rebecca Lehto ◽  
Sarah N. Douglas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Augmentative And Alternative Communication ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alternative Communication ◽  
Family Adaptation ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Conceptual Foundations

Families with children who have developmental disabilities and complex communication needs (CCNs) face challenging demands affecting family adaptation. Many children with CCNs use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices to support communication, yet little is known about family adaptation to such technology. To fill this gap, an integrative review, guided by the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation was conducted to assess conceptual foundations and the state of the science of family adaptation among children utilizing AAC. Web-based searches were conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Thirty-three studies met eligibility. Findings demonstrated that to enhance the science underpinning family adaptation to AAC use, future research should be grounded conceptually and address important components of the Resiliency Model. Work in this emerging area will identify and facilitate nursing efforts to assist families as they adapt to communication technology.

scholarly journals Treatment of Whiplash-Associated Disorders - Part II: Medical and Surgical Interventions

2005 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Conlin ◽  
Sanjit Bhogal ◽  
Keith Sequeira ◽  
Robert Teasell
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Radiofrequency Neurotomy

BACKGROUND: Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is a term used to describe injury due to an acceleration-deceleration mechanism at the neck. In 1995, the Quebec Task Force published a report that contained evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment of WAD based on studies completed before 1993 and consensus-based recommendations.OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present article - the second installment of a two part review on WAD - is to provide a systematic review of the literature published between January 1993 and July 2003 on medical and surgical interventions for WAD using meta-analytical techniques.METHODS OF THE REVIEW: Three medical literature databases were searched for identification of all clinical trials on the treatment of WAD. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and epidemiological studies were categorized by treatment modality and analyzed by outcome measures. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed. When possible, pooled analyses of the RCTs were completed for meta-analyses of the data. The results of all the studies were compiled and systematically reviewed.RESULTS: The studies were categorized as medical or surgical interventions. A total of five RCTs and six non-RCTs were evaluated. The mean methodological quality of the RCTs was 7.3 among studies on medical interventions and 7.5 for studies on surgical intervention. Pooled analyses were completed across all treatment modalities and outcome measures. The outcomes of each study were summarized in tables.CONCLUSIONS: While several quality RCTs and epidemiological studies have been published since 1993 on medical and surgical interventions, the cumulative evidence is lacking. Moderate evidence exists in support of radiofrequency neurotomy. Evidence for steroid injections, botulinum treatments, carpal tunnel decompression and cervical discectomy is conflicting or unclear. Future research is required to clarify the utility of radiofrequency neurotomy and pulsed electromagnetic field treatment for WAD.

scholarly journals Spatially embedded inequality

2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 643-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lotte Holck
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Diversity Management ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Workplace Diversity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Opportunity Structures ◽  
Structure And Agency ◽  
Spatial Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to apply a spatial approach to organizational inequality to explore why unequal opportunity structures persist in an organization despite its commitment to diversity and employing highly skilled ethnic minority employees. Design/methodology/approach – The (re)production of inequality is explored by linking research on organizational space with HRM diversity management. Data from an ethnographic study undertaken in a Danish municipal center illustrates how a substructure of inequality is spatially upheld alongside a formal diversity policy. Archer’s distinction between structure and agency informs the analysis of how minority agency not only reproduces but also challenges organizational opportunity structures. Findings – The analysis demonstrates how substructures of inequality stabilize in spatial routines enacted in an ethnic zoning of the workplace and ethnification of job categories. However, the same spatial structures allows for a variety of opposition and conciliation strategies among minority employees, even though the latter tend to prevail in a reproduction rather than a transformation of the organizational opportunity structures. Research limitations/implications – The reliance on a single case study restricts the generalizability of the findings but highlights fruitful areas for future research. Practical implications – The study sensitizes HRM practitioners to the situated quality of workplace diversity and to develop a broader scope of HRM practices to address the more subtle, spatially embedded forms of inequality. Originality/value – Theoretical and empirical connections between research on organizational space and HRM diversity management have thus far not been systematically studied. This combination might advance knowledge on the persistence of micro-inequality even in organizations formally committed to diversity.

scholarly journals An evidence mapping of systematic reviews and meta-analysis on traditional Chinese medicine for ulcerative colitis

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Xin Sun ◽  
Xiao Wang ◽  
Xing Liao ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Wen-Bin Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Chinese Medicine ◽  
Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Route Of Administration ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Evidence Mapping

Abstract Background Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been a proposed treatment option for ulcerative colitis (UC), however it has been difficult to understand the breadth and depth of evidence as various Chinese medicine therapies may produce effects differently. The aim of this evidence mapping is to visually understand the available evidence in the use of TCM in the treatment of UC, and to identify gaps in evidence to inform priorities of future research. Methods A systematic electronic literature search of six databases were performed to identify systematic reviews (SRs) on different Chinese medicine therapies in the treatment in UC. Methodological quality of the included SRs was assessed using AMSTAR 2. Results The mapping was based on 73 SRs, which included nine interventions that met eligibility criteria. The quality of the included SRs was very low. The diseases stages of patients with UC varied greatly, from active to remission, to non-acute outbreak, to not reported. The results mostly favored the method of intervention. Oral administration combined with enema was the most widely used route of administration in secondary research. Conclusion Based on the current evidence, the treatment of UC with TCM can only be recommended cautiously. A majority of included SRs did not report the location of the disease, the disease classification, and the route of administration of the intervention. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of Chinese medicine alone in the treatment of UC. The effectiveness of combined Chinese and conventional medicine combined with different routes of administration cannot be confirmed. Attention should be paid to the methodological quality of the systematic review. Unifies the outcome indicators used in the evaluation of effectiveness.

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