CompletedNot Applicable

Support Staff-client Interactions With Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Belgium40 participantsStarted 2014-03

Plain-language summary

This exploratory and observational study focuses on adults with an intellectual disability (ID) and their support workers. Two groups of clients are observed: clients using Key Word Signing, and clients using aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Approximately half of adults with ID is estimated to experience communication difficulties. AAC supports them in their daily communication aiming at optimal participation in society. Current communication models, such as Participation Model (Beukelman \& Mirenda, 2005) and International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (WHO, 2001), regard both client-related and environmental factors as important elements of communication. A substantial part of the environmental factors is made up of the communication partners' characteristics. In daycare and residential services for adults with ID the support worker is an important communication partner .

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * uses AAC with client * client has congenital intellectual disability * supports client for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * client has dementia symptoms * client has severe, non-corrected visual impairment * client has diagnosed autism

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Signing rate of support workers and individuals with intellectual disabilities

Timeframe: Three observation sessions over period of 2 weeks per participant, 2 years for all participants

Sign imitation rate support workers and individuals with intellectual disabilities

Timeframe: Three observation sessions over period of 2 weeks per participant, 2 years for all participants

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02099773

SponsorUniversitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2016-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Intellectual Disability trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Signing rate of support workers and individuals with intellectual disabilities

Timeframe: Three observation sessions over period of 2 weeks per participant, 2 years for all participants

Sign imitation rate support workers and individuals with intellectual disabilities

Timeframe: Three observation sessions over period of 2 weeks per participant, 2 years for all participants