Examining the perspectives of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) specialists on conducting AAC evaluations with people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via telehealth.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore what speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who are AAC specialists see as advantages and disadvantages of providing AAC services via telehealth, how well tele-AAC assessments align with guidelines for in-person assessments, and how SLPs' perspectives of tele-AAC services changed post-COVID. Fifteen SLPs who are AAC specialists and experienced working with people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis watched videos of speech generating device (SGD) assessments conducted via telehealth for eight people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Using a checklist based on the AAC Clinical Assessment Project (AAC-CAP), the SLPs rated how comparable remote assessment was to in-person assessment, and described advantages and challenges. Across checklist elements, most participants rated AAC assessment via telemedicine as "same/comparable" to in-person assessment. The most common advantages of tele-AAC assessment were that tele-AAC was more functional, increased care partner availability, and increased clients' comfort at home. The most common challenges were technical difficulties and a limited comprehensive assessment due to the remote modality. Tele-AAC should be considered a viable assessment option as it may increase equitable access to care for more people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Tools such as the AAC-CAP may help generalist SLPs increase their comfort and proficiency providing AAC services.