A qualitative metasynthesis of the meaning of speech-generating devices for people with complex communication needs

The aim of this metasynthesis review of published qualitative research was to investigate the lived experience and meaning ascribed to speech-generating devices (SGDs) by people with complex communication needs and their familiar communication partners. Bibliographic databases were searched up to June 2016, and selected articles were assessed for their relevance to the research aim. The metasynthesis included 21 original articles and resulted in the identification of six main themes, each of which was comprised of two or more sub-themes that related to the experience of using SGD: It’s an Inefficient Voice, It’s Not a Natural Voice, Making the Most of This Voice, It’s My Voice, It’s More Than a Voice, and Having a Voice: Being Heard. The findings depict how use of an SGD is a complex process of understanding the limitations of the device, acknowledging expectations of society, using strategies to optimize communication, being aware of what an SGD represents, and using the SGD to enable social participation and a sense of empowerment.本项针对已发表质性研究的元整合综述，旨在探究存在复杂沟通需求的人群及其熟悉的沟通伙伴，对言语生成设备（speech-generating devices，SGDs）的亲历体验与赋予该设备的意义。研究检索了截至2016年6月的书目数据库，并对筛选出的文献进行了与研究目标相关性的评估。本次元整合综述共纳入21篇原创研究文献，最终提炼出6个核心主题，每个主题均包含2个及以上与使用言语生成设备相关的子主题，具体如下：「这是一种低效的发声载体」、「这并非自然的发声方式」、「充分利用这一发声载体」、「这是我的发声方式」、「这远不止是发声工具」，以及「拥有发声权：被他人倾听」。研究结果显示，言语生成设备的使用是一个复杂的过程：使用者需要明晰设备的局限性、正视社会的固有期待、运用策略优化沟通效果、认知言语生成设备所承载的意义，并借助该设备实现社会参与并获得赋权感。