The Swedish speech interpretation service: An exploratory study of a new communication support provided to people with aphasia

Abstract

Until recently, people with complex communication needs have had no access to professional interpreters. The Swedish Speech Interpretation Service (SSIS) is attempting to address this problem. This qualitative study reports on how 12 persons with aphasia experienced the services of a professional interpreter from the SSIS. The results are presented in two themes: (a) The purpose of using an interpreter, which addresses issues relating to autonomy, privacy, and burden on family members; and (b) perceptions of quality of service, which addresses issues relating to the skills and professionalism of and accessibility to interpreters. Results highlight the ongoing need for the SSIS and its importance to the participants. The professional interpreter as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) "tool" that could be used to enhance the participation of people with aphasia in the community-at-large, is also discussed; as is whether relatives and other non-professionals or professional interpreters should interpret for people with aphasia.

Understanding How Older Adults with Communication Difficulties Access Health Services: What We Can Learn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS)

“…Having medical centers or other organizations provide other advocates trained in communication disorders who could assist in providing communication support during healthcare encounters might be a beneficial alternative, and should be factored into the costs of communication accommodations. 69 70…”

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Relationship among Subjective Satisfaction with Verbal Communication, Dental Status, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Japanese Community-Residing Elderly Individuals

“…Higashi et al (2007) investigated the association between verbal communication and subjective well-being among Japanese elderly residents of rural communities, and reported that the frequent satisfaction derived from verbal communication with families or other rural residents improved their subjective well-being. In the case of aphasia patients, who face difficulties with verbal communication, conversational support from volunteers or professional interpreters trained in communication skills improved the patient's satisfaction with their communication, as well as providing them with more frequent opportunities for communication (Suzuki, 2012;Larsson & Thoren-Jonsson, 2007). These reports indicated that richness in communication opportunities or smooth communication exchanges improved individual's satisfaction with communication, as well as their subjective wellbeing.…”