Perceptions of selected health profession students about augmentative and alternative communication

Abstract

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with complex communication needs (CCN) by enhancing accessibility and participation (Beukelman & Light, 2020). Despite its importance, evidence suggests that undergraduate healthcare education in fields such as speech-language pathology (SLP) and occupational therapy (OT) often lacks sufficient focus on AAC, which may influence how confidently and effectively future professionals engage with it in clinical practice. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining how undergraduate SLP and OT students in Malta perceive their AAC training and its adequacy for clinical practice. Using a mixed-methods, cross-sectional design, data was collected through an online questionnaire combining quantitative and qualitative measures to provide a comprehensive analysis of student experiences and attitudes. A total of 30 undergraduate SLP and OT students participated, offering insights into their AAC knowledge, training, and clinical exposure. Findings reveal that while students value AAC, they feel underprepared due to limited practical opportunities such as interacting with AAC users, observing assessments and participating in interventions. Students reported that direct exposure to AAC in real or simulated clinical contexts significantly boosted their sense of preparedness. SLP students demonstrated slightly higher confidence than OT students, which may reflect increased curricular emphasis on AAC within their course content. However, both highlighted the need for more applied and practical learning experiences. Students also identified institutional barriers, including scarce AAC resources, limited access to knowledgeable educators during placements and resistance from caregivers or professionals, often rooted in misconceptions about AAC. The study emphasises the need for university to enhance AAC education by increasing learning opportunities, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing attitudinal barriers. Future research should explore the long-term impact of hands-on AAC training on student competence and confidence. By improving AAC training, healthcare professionals will be better equipped to support individuals with CCN, ultimately enhancing communication access and inclusion.