What facilitates communication between people with little or no speech and general practitioners? A research project underway in Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of research that is currently underway at The University of Melbourne, Australia, exploring the ways in which people with little or no speech communicate with general practitioners (GPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The project aims to explore the potential role of internet technology and high speed broadband in facilitating communication between people with little or no speech and GPs. A literature review was conducted which aimed to draw together existing literature on several topics surrounding the health care communication needs of people with little or no speech and their GPs and to summarise the findings of previous research in these areas. This overview of existing literature informed the development of an exploratory research project.

Findings

Existing research shows that people with little or no speech are at risk of receiving sub‐optimal health care and experiencing significant barriers to communication in health care contexts. The exploratory research project is still underway at the time of writing but this aims to conduct a simple needs analysis with a small group of people with little or no speech and a small group of GPs, through the use of reference groups and participant engagement.

Originality/value

This project seeks to explore the potential of internet technology to meet the communication needs of patients with little or no speech and their GPs.

Citation

Greenstock, L. and Wickham, B. (2011), "What facilitates communication between people with little or no speech and general practitioners? A research project underway in Melbourne, Australia", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 83-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451111149287