Augmentative and alternative communication in the SUS: a scoping review and proposal of indicators in assistive technology

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12957/reuerj.2026.95324

Keywords:

Public Health, Quality Indicators, Health Care, Cerebral Palsy, Communication, Self-Help Devices

Abstract

Objective: to map evidence on the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in children with cerebral palsy (CP), analyzing the effectiveness of interventions and the barriers to their implementation, as well as proposing quality indicators for monitoring public healthcare services. Method: a scoping review was conducted in accordance with JBI and the PRISMA extension, with searches carried out in October 2025 across six databases. Of the 714 records identified, 22 studies were included. Results: evidence indicates that AAC is effective in expanding expressive skills and promoting participation among children with CP. A total of 20 quality indicators were proposed, organized into four dimensions: participation, access, training, and technology. Final considerations: AAC constitutes a strategic component in public health policies. The proposed indicators may support managers in monitoring equity, quality, and evidence-based decision-making.

Author Biographies

Anny Caroline Ribeiro Devechi, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. PhD Student in Nursing. Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil.

Patricia Gisele Sanches, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. PhD Student in Nursing. Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil.

Ana Luisa Serrano Lima, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. Master’s Student in Nursing. Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil.

Graciele Cadahaiane de Oliveira, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. Master’s Student in Nursing. Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil. E-mail: enfgcoliveira@gmail.com. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8492-1926

Ghisleine Cristiane de Castro Antunes, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. Master’s Student in Nursing. Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil.

Marcelle Paiano, Universidade Estadual de Maringá

Nurse. PhD in Nursing. Professor in the Department of Nursing and the Graduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, PR, Brazil.

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Devechi ACR, Sanches PG, Lima ALS, Oliveira GC de, Antunes GC de C, Paiano M. Augmentative and alternative communication in the SUS: a scoping review and proposal of indicators in assistive technology. Rev. enferm. UERJ [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 31 [cited 2026 Jul. 22];34(1):e95324. Available from: https://www.e-publicacoes.uerj.br/enfermagemuerj/article/view/95324

Issue

Section

Review Articles