Browsing by Author "Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, D."

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    The analysis of conversational features between the individuals with dementia and their communication partners in natural conversation
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Jinadasa, T.; Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, D.
    Introduction: A successful conversation should have a continuation without communication breakdowns between the speaker and the Communication Partner (CP). Objective: The study was conducted to identify the conversational features between the Individuals with Dementia (ID) and their CPs during natural conversation. Methods: Mixed method exploratory design, including descriptive and inferential statistics analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software and qualitative thematic analysis was used. Results: Absence of topic maintenance, inability to engage in extended discourse and absence of repairing skills in IDs were more frequently observed Discourse Impairing Conversational Features (DICF) in IDs. The most frequently observed and helpful Discourse Building Conversational Feature (DBCF) used by partner was trying to figure out the meaning. A Mann-Whitney U test showed significant differences in the use of DICFs (Mann-Whitney U=30.500, Z=-3.449, p=0.001) and DBCFs (Mann-Whitney 035.500, Z—3.213, p=0.001) between the two groups. Perspectives of CP on the communication difficulties faced with ID were analyzed based on five primary themes; knowledge of dementia, difficulties faced by partners when communicating with ID, strategies used by partners to overcome communication difficulties, successful communication strategies used by partners and ID to overcome difficulties in communication. Conclusions: The findings provide a preliminary understanding of the communication difficulties and challenges experienced by ID and partner with particular reference to the local clinical scenario. Importantly it identifies strategies and features that are successful in maintaining natural conversations with ID and provides useful information to speech and language therapists to support ID to maintain their QoL within resource limited clinical settings.
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    Experiences of adults with neurological communication disorders using aided Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems in a lower-middle income country
    (Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2023) Arachchi, R.H.; Atapattu-Bakmeewewa, D.
    INTRODUCTION: Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems play a key role in the assistance of people with communication impairments, acquired or congenital. It maximizes the individual’s functional levels by providing an effective communication for their daily needs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the types of AAC systems used by adults with acquired communication impairments and describe the adult AAC experience, particularly the facilitators and barriers faced when using an aided AAC system in the local context. METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted to identify the facilitators and barriers of using aided AAC systems. 8 adult participants with complex communication needs who use aided AAC, and their communication partners were recruited to the study. Semi structured individual interviews were conducted as face to face and online. All the interviews were video recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Writing, communication board, typing, and Avaz app were the aided AAC methods used by participants in this study. The overall experience of AAC use was positive for both adults and their caregivers. The study identified several barriers and facilitators that had an impact on effective AAC use, some specific to the adult population. In most cases the AAC user and their family was well informed of the recommended AAC system by the clinician. Caregivers suggested changes to high tech devices, which they envisioned would lead to higher user satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the advantages and limitations of the many available aided AAC systems, which then allows a more conscious recommendation based on the patient’s need.