Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for nursing students; equipping the next generation of nursing professionals.

Background: Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is often used for patients who are temporarily non-speaking. However, considering AAC for these patients in intensive care units (ICUs) has only recently started to gain the attention of health care providers in the hospital setting. Currently, few nursing programs include content in their curricula as relates to this population.