Research Opportunity

Has your speech been affected by ALS, Multiple Sclerosis or head and neck cancer? Researchers at the University of Washington are conducting a study exploring the impact of various health conditions on participation in everyday communication activities (activities in which you are talking to people). We are currently seeking individuals whose speech has been affected by any of the following conditions who would be willing to participate in this study: ALS, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or head and neck cancer (i.e. larynx/voice box, oral/mouth). We are developing a questionnaire to be used in future research and in speech clinics. We need participants to complete a set of questionnaires about living with these health conditions. The information from this study will be used to test the questionnaire that is being developed. The information will also help us learn more about people’s experiences living with ALS, MS, or head and neck cancer.

Participants in this study will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires. You may fill these out at home on your own schedule. We anticipate that it will take you about an hour to complete all the questionnaires. You can take breaks as you need to and complete them at a pace that is comfortable for you. You may fill out these questionnaires online OR on paper forms that we will mail to you.

You are eligible to participate if you are an adult age 18 years or older. You must have been diagnosed with ALS, MS, or head and neck cancer at least three months ago. You must be living in the community (e.g. at home or in assisted living). Nursing home residents are not eligible for this study. You must use speech as your primary method of communication. You may use writing or augmentative devices to help you communicate, but most of your communication must be by speaking. It does not matter what kind of treatments you have had for your condition. We seek racial and ethnic diversity. Minorities are strongly encouraged to participate.

You will receive $20 for completing the questionnaires (your choice of a $20 check or $20 gift card to Amazon.com). Participation in this study is voluntary. You are free to stop your participation at any time. Your participation is not related to any medical care you are receiving at any facility. Your participation is not related to your involvement in any support or advocacy groups.

More information about this study is available at: http://staff.washington.edu/cbaylor .

If you have questions or are interested in participating, you may contact us using the contact method you prefer:

Email: commpart@u.washington.edu  (please remember we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information sent via email)

Phone: 206-221-3563 (you may leave a voicemail with your mailing address if you would like a questionnaire mailed to you)

UW Communication Disorders Research
Can you help us?

University of Washington researchers in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences are developing two new questionnaires about the life impact of communication disorders. In the future, these questionnaires should help doctors, speech pathologists and other healthcare providers better understand the impact of communication disorders on the lives of people who live with them. Information in these questionnaires should help healthcare providers and their clients make plans for treatment that will be as successful as possible. We have rough drafts of the questionnaires ready, but we need your feedback to help finish them.

In this stage of our project, we are asking participants to complete two questionnaires. The first questionnaire asks about a variety of everyday communication situations (for example: Letting someone know what you need at the store; or Talking to friends in a restaurant). For each question you are asked to rate how much your health condition interferes with participating in these communication situations. The second questionnaire asks you to rate your speech needs. By speech needs, we mean those things you want and need to do with your speech in day to day activities (talking loudly, talking for long periods of time, talking to unfamiliar people).

Participants in this study will be asked to:
1. Participate in a one-time session that lasts approximately 1 ? - 2 hours
2. Complete both questionnaires (marking answers on paper forms)
3. Tell the researchers if there are any items on the questionnaires that are difficult to understand, confusing, or even inappropriate for particular cultures or backgrounds. Did we miss anything?
4. Answer more in-depth questions about some of the items. These questions include:
a. What does this question mean to you? What does it make you think of?
b. What made you rate your interference in this situation as you did?
c. Would there be another way to ask this question that would be better for you?

Sessions will take place at the University of Washington (UW Medical Center / Harborview Medical Center), or alternative locations can be arranged for your convenience. Participation is voluntary and is completely unrelated to your medical care. All identifying information will be kept confidential. You will receive $25.00 for taking part in this study.  Parking reimbursement is available as well.

You are eligible to participate if you:
Are an adult 18 years of age or older.
Have a communication disorder related to any medical condition such as stroke, head and neck cancer, head injury, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis or other conditions.
 
Are you interested?
Please contact us at:

Carolyn Baylor, Ph.D.     
Hearing Sciences
Phone: 206-755-2247    
Email: cbaylor@u.washington.edu  

Tanya Eadie, Ph.D.
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences
Phone: 206-616-2753
Email: teadie@u.washington.edu

(reminder: we cannot guarantee confidentiality of information via email)

Swine Flu 101
The virus, Influenza A, currently causing human illness is a new type of swine flu, and is transmitted from person-to-person through the human respiratory system.  Symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  There are currently no vaccines to prevent the swine flu, but there are medications to help treat the symptoms and help prevent serious flu complications. Using the following precautions can help prevent the transmission of not only the Swine flu, but all influenza viruses:    1. When you cough or sneeze, cover you nose and mouth with a tissue.    2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.    3. Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.    4. Try to avoid contact with sick people.    5. If you get sick, stay home!
Some useful and/or informative links: FIRST LOOK: Swine Flu Virus Revealed SWINE FLU GUIDE: Your Source for Breaking News, Medical Facts and Practical Advice