5004V - AAC in Action! Training Module Increases Acute Care Provider Proficiency With Augmentative and Alternative Communication

Supported by a patient safety grant at Boston Medical Center, Phase 1 of the AAC in Action! Initiative sought to assess non-SLP provider knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and experience regarding communication with patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who have communication vulnerabilities (acquired or congenital speech and/or language impairment, language barriers). A qualitative and anonymous survey-based evaluation was performed before and after the completion of a virtual in-service training module. This module provided education on available AAC tools and their effective use through video demonstrations. This session will provide an in-depth look at the AAC in Action! Initiative, evaluate preliminary survey data, and discuss future directions for research in this important area.