A concept-environment for computer-based augmentative and alternative communication founded on a systematic review

• Published in: Research on biomedical engineering Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 257 - 272
• Main Authors: Loja, Luiz Fernando Batista, Gomide, Renato de Sousa, Mendes, Fabiana Freitas, Teixeira, Ricardo Antonio Gonçalves, Lemos, Rodrigo Pinto, Flôres, Edna Lúcia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Engenharia Biomédica 01.09.2015
• Subjects: ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL; Computer; Systematic review; Augmentative and alternative communication; Assistive technology; Locked-in syndrome
• ISSN: 2446-4740; 2446-4740
• DOI: 10.1590/2446-4740.0601

AbstractIntroductionLocked-In Syndrome is admittedly the worst case of motor and speech impairment, it seriously damages the ability of oral and gestural communication of patients. In recent years, alternative and augmentative communication technology has provided resources to restore these patients' ability to communicate.MethodsIn order to relate and classify the main methods with that purpose, this work conducted a systematic review on several journal databases.ResultsWe found 203 related papers and 55 of them were selected to compose the study. After that, we classified them into three major groups and we identified the main difficulties when using each approach.ConclusionIn order to overcome these difficulties, we propose a new system concept to develop an adaptive, robust and low cost communication environment. The proposed system is composed of five modules: data entry, communication, aid to the caregiver and external interaction.