A novel approach to prevent social isolation in people with severe disability

Abstract

While intervening in the field of communication, practitioners follow diverse theoretical approaches and models. The different conceptual orientations influence the way professionals embrace the subject of communication and its disorders. The present research focused on the development of a new model to understand communication between persons with Complex Communication Needs and their caregivers. A second aim was to create an intervention program based on the new model. The Complex of Continuous Communication model, based on an extensive literature review, served as foundation for the new intervention entitled Program 3C. This program consists of consultations with caregivers of persons with disability, using video analysis and a dialogical approach to support communication. The model and intervention were validated through an international online Delphi panel including 17 experts. From the two rounds of the panel, the 25 indications subject to validation were rated as appropriate with low values of disagreement, following the Appropriateness Method. Qualitative feedback was used to improve the model and intervention program. Quality assurance measures were taken to ensure transparency of the results. The next phase of research consists of implementing the Program 3C in a pilot study with clinicians that support persons with disability at risk of social isolation.