The development of a neonatal communication intervention tool

Abstract

Neonatal communication intervention is important in South Africa, which has an increased prevalence of infants born with risks for disabilities and where the majority of infants live in poverty. Local literature showed a dearth of information on the current service delivery and roles of speech-language therapists (SLTs) and audiologists in neonatal nurseries in the South African context. SLTs have the opportunity to provide the earliest intervention, provided that intervention is well-timed in the neonatal nursery context. The aim of the research was to compile a locally relevant neonatal communication intervention instrument/tool for use by SLTs in neonatal nurseries of public hospitals. The study entailed descriptive, exploratory research. During phase 1, a survey was received from 39 SLTs and 2 audiologists in six provinces. The data revealed that participants performed different roles in neonatal nurseries, which depended on the environment, tools, materials and instrumentation available to them. Many participants were inexperienced, but resourceful in their attempts to adapt tools/materials. Participants expressed needs for culturally appropriate and user-friendly instruments for parent guidance and staff/team training on the topic of developmental care. During phase 2, a tool for parent guidance titled Neonatal communication intervention programme for parents was compiled in English and isiZulu. The programme was piloted by three participants. Suggestions for enhancements of the programme were made, such as providing a glossary of terms, adapting the programme’s language and terminology, and providing more illustrations. SLTs and audiologists must contribute to neonatal care of high-risk infants to facilitate development and to support families.

Evaluation of a Zulu translation of the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status

“…4 Therefore, there is an increased prevalence of infants that are classified as high risk for disability and communication disorders. 5 This increased prevalence highlights the fact that early identification of developmental delays should be a primary concern for all health care professionals, as the efficiency of early intervention following identification is largely linked to the age of identification. 6 The younger the child is when a potential risk is identified, the greater the benefits of intervention that can capitalise on neuro-developmental plasticity.…”

Cooperative Learning, Method, Strategy, and Its Importance in Language Learning: Arabic Language as a Model

“…Gachago et al (2011) this study reports on 37 Graphic Design students' per-ceptions of the use of clickers and their engagement levels (attention, participation, and active class discussion) in small clicker classes. Strasheim (2010) this study entailed descriptive, exploratory research. During phase 1, a survey was received from 39 SLTs and 2 audiologists in six provinces.…”

“…Regarding the remaining medical field as follows: one study (Sagahutu et al, 2021). And one study is for children, namely Strasheim (2010) conducted the final of a total of 22 research in which sample participants of both sexes participated. Figure 2 shows the sample distribution.…”

“…The research methods used in previous studies varied, as each used its own method based on the type of study, the circumstances of its conduct, and the criterion used in it; however, the majority (sixe) employed the "mixed method" ) Abdul Hameed Panhwar & Melanie, 2022; Krampe et al, 2022;Carmona-Medeiro et al, 2021;Wium & Louw, 2012;Gachago et al, 2011;Strasheim, 2010). In there studies (López Oterino ،2022; Edith Namusoke & Aloysius Rukundo ،2022; Lázaro-Carrascosa, et al, 2021;Sagahutu et al, 2021;Martín et al, 2020;Kadam & Sawant, 2020) were use experiments and Semi-experimental methodes.…”

Development of a clinical feeding assessment scale for very young infants in South Africa

“…The high prevalence of feeding disorders among the neonatal population supports the need for appropriate early clinical assessment and management of OPD, providing an impetus for the development of a valid clinical instrument to contribute to differential diagnosis. In the South African public healthcare sector, there are resource constraints such as limited or no speech-language therapists (SLTs) to provide feeding services in some Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) (Strasheim, Kritzinger & Louw, 2011 ). SLTs working in hospitals are also required to manage large caseloads apart from neonatal dysphagia and then do not have the opportunity to specialise in the field.…”