USO DE RECURSOS DE COMUNICAÇÃO ALTERNATIVA PARA INTERNAÇÃO HOSPITALAR: PERCEPÇÃO DE PACIENTES E DE TERAPEUTAS OCUPACIONAIS

Abstract

Introduction: In the hospital environment, the introduction of Augmentative and Alternative Communication resources is crucial to effective care. Objective: To verify the most suitable Augmentative and Alternative Communication resource for hospital situation from the perspective of patients and occupational therapists. Method: This is a cross-sectional observational study, with a quantitative approach, conducted with 34 patients in two university hospitals and four occupational therapists. Data from the medical record, structured protocol and video recordings of the interventions were used for comparing resources, which included printed communication boards; tablet; communicator and computer. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test and Kappa coefficient were performed using the software Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 17.0. Results: The tablet with 12 symbols per board was chosen by patients and occupational therapists as the most appropriate device to facilitate communication of the hospital environment. The main factors that led to patient and therapist choices were production of sound and ease of use. Conclusion: The main contribution of the study was to show that the patient, even in health vulnerability and without oral communication, is able to participate actively in the process of choosing the most appropriate Augmentative and Alternative Communication resource to improve their interaction in hospitals.