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. 2024 Jun 3;14(1):12742.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-63519-5.

A new intervention to prevent social isolation in people with complex communication needs

João Canossa Dias #  1   2 , Ana Mineiro #  3   4 , Saskia Damen #  5
Affiliations

A new intervention to prevent social isolation in people with complex communication needs

João Canossa Dias et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

While implementing communication interventions, practitioners follow diverse theoretical models. Different conceptual orientations influence the way professionals embrace the subject of communication and its disorders. This research project explores the co-creation and validation of a new model and intervention program to analyze and improve communication between persons with Complex Communication Needs and their caregivers. The methodology incorporated a comprehensive narrative review, as foundation for the new model and intervention proposal. Succeeding this stage, the team implemented an online Delphi Panel to improve and validate these results, involving 17 international renowned experts. Following the Appropriateness Method, 25 indications were subject to scrutiny and rated as appropriate with minimal values of disagreement among the evaluators. Qualitative feedback was used to improve the research products. Quality assurance measures were taken to ensure quality and transparency of the results. A new conceptual framework of atypical interpersonal communication and intervention program result from the investigation. The new model is inspired by the Transactional model and principles of Dialogism. The intervention consists of consultations with caregivers, using video analysis and a dialogical methodology to enhance communication. The next research phase is to pilot-test the intervention program with clinicians supporting persons with disability at risk of social isolation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Original illustration of the Linear Model of Communication prepared by the authors, based in the literature review, using the software Canva.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Original illustration of the Interactional Model of Communication prepared by the authors, based in the literature review, using the software Canva.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Original illustration of the Transactional Model of Communication prepared by the authors, based in the literature review,, using the software Canva.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Samples of feedback for the experts after round 1—quantitative data (left) and qualitative data (right)—using the software Microsoft Excel (left) and the software Canva (right).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Original illustration of the Complex of Continuous Communication Model prepared by the authors using the software Canva.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Original illustration of the Structure of the Program 3C prepared by the authors using the software Microsoft Powerpoint.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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