Using Communication Assistants in Qualitative Health Research.

The article focuses on the challenges and implications of including people with complex communication access needs (CCAN) in qualitative health research, emphasizing the role of communication assistants in bridging communication gaps. It highlights that qualitative research often privileges normative spoken and written language, thereby excluding many individuals with CCAN, who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) methods. Communication assistants—both informal (e.g., family members, friends) and formal (trained professionals)—can support first-person participation by facilitating communication between participants with CCAN and researchers, yet their roles, qualifications, and ethical considerations remain underexplored in health research. The article advocates for greater researcher awareness, training, and the development of formalized protocols to support communication assistants, aiming to promote inclusive research practices that respect communication diversity and address ableism in qualitative health studies.