Evidence-Based Practice in Augmentative and Alternative Communication

TLDR

Evidence‑based practice emphasizes integrating research evidence into decision‑making, and this paper reviews current knowledge of AAC decision‑making and the history of EBP in other fields. The paper discusses the relevance of EBP to AAC, proposes a definition and schematic of the EBP process, and identifies key factors for its adoption. The authors present a schematic of the EBP process for AAC, including proposed design hierarchies of evidence. The proposed EBP process is illustrated with a case example.

Abstract

An evidence-based practice (EBP) approach to clinical and educational practice emphasizes the importance of integrating sound research evidence into the decision-making process. This paper provides a discussion of the relevance of EBP to the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Included is an examination of what is currently known about decision-making in AAC, as well as a brief history of EBP and its application in other fields. A definition of EBP in AAC is proposed and a schematic of the EBP process is described, including proposed design hierarchies of evidence. This process is then illustrated with a case example. Finally, key factors for the adoption of EBP in AAC are discussed.