The Arthur App: Designing an Augmentative and Alternative Communication Method for Use With Hospitalized Patients

An innovative augmentative and alternative communication method consisting of a mobile application (app) on an Apple iPad^®, such as the Arthur app, can provide patients with barriers to verbal communication an easy means to express their needs, feelings, and questions. When using this technology, it is important to consider the right patient population at the right time, as well as the proper quantity and quality of information.

AT A GLANCE

• Augmentative and alternative communication devices offer a substitute when speech is absent or limited.
• Patients can use augmentative and alternative devices to communicate basic needs and ask questions.
• Augmentative and alternative communication devices can be used alone or in conjunction with other communication tools.