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Kankam SB, Habibzadeh A, Amirikah MT, Mensah PKN, Fordjour CO, Mate-Kole MN, Danso SE, Jalloh M, Osifala O, Kwapong FL, Afriyie AA, Zeto R, Fokorede O. Enhancing stroke care in Ghana: A systematic review of stroke rehabilitation services. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107756. [PMID: 38710462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Ghana, the shifting demographics of stroke incidence towards young adults have prompted the expansion of stroke care and rehabilitation efforts. Nevertheless, the precise impact of stroke rehabilitation remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review to explore the landscape and effects of stroke rehabilitation in Ghana. METHOD We identified articles on stroke rehabilitation services in Ghana through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until February 2024. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Checklist was employed to assess the risk of bias in the included studies, supplemented by qualitative synthesis. RESULTS Among the 213 articles screened, 8 were deemed suitable for review. These studies primarily focused on two groups: stroke survivors (n = 335) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) (n = 257). Many stroke survivors reported significant benefits from telerehabilitation, with increased participation in rehabilitation activities correlating with improved physical and cognitive outcomes. The findings also underscored a lack of knowledge about stroke rehabilitation among HCPs, alongside variations in the availability of protocols and guidelines for stroke management across different hospital levels. CONCLUSIONS The review reveals several challenges in stroke rehabilitation in Ghana, including disparities in HCPs' perceptions and utilization of rehabilitation services. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, patient-centered approaches, standardized training for HCPs, improved resource allocation, and the integration of telehealth to overcome barriers and enhance stroke rehabilitation in Ghana. These insights hold significance not only for Ghana but also for guiding strategies in similar contexts worldwide, aiming to improve stroke rehabilitation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Berchi Kankam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard, Medical School, USA; Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA; Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Adrina Habibzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran; USERN Office, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mike Tuffour Amirikah
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ghana Medical Center, Univerity of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Samuel E Danso
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
| | - Mohamed Jalloh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard, Medical School, USA
| | | | | | | | - Ruth Zeto
- General Medicine Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, USA
| | - Olayinka Fokorede
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
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Trebilcock M, Shrubsole K, Worrall L, Ryan B. Pilot trial of the online implementation intervention Aphasia Nexus: Connecting Evidence to Practice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 26:16-27. [PMID: 36562756 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2153918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aphasia Nexus: Connecting Evidence to Practice is a theoretically-based online implementation intervention designed to overcome the barriers related to the implementation of intensive and comprehensive aphasia services. The objective was to establish the feasibility of incorporating Aphasia Nexus within routine clinical practice through an evaluation of: (1) its potential to positively influence the intensity and/or comprehensiveness of aphasia services; (2) the ability of selected outcome measures to capture changes to factors influencing implementation; and (3) the acceptability of the website to on-site speech-language pathologists (SLPs). METHOD A single arm pre-post pilot trial was conducted within an Australian health service. The design collected qualitative and quantitative pre-post data in the form of therapy logs, behaviour change questionnaires, and a post-intervention focus group. Data were collected one week prior to, and one week following, a 12 week implementation period where participating SLPs (n = 5) were provided access to the Aphasia Nexus website. RESULT Quantitative data revealed improvements in the median time per patient with aphasia from 65 to 115 minutes per week (intensity/dose), an additional 50 minutes per week. SLPs trialled at least one new therapy approach (Attentive Reading and Constrained Summarisation) and service delivery model (group therapy) representing an increase in the comprehensiveness of their services to patients. SLPs perceived a reduction in the barriers associated with the promotion of new aphasia services. Qualitative analysis of focus group discussion revealed that participants considered Aphasia Nexus in the overarching theme of practice efficiency (obtaining the best outcome from the least amount of effort) and the sub-themes of accessible therapy resources and the prioritisation of time. CONCLUSION Overall, Aphasia Nexus was considered a useful clinical tool with the potential to positively influence clinical aphasia practice. These results will inform further implementation intervention refinements and will inform the methodology of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Trebilcock
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Australian Catholic University, North Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirstine Shrubsole
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, Australia
- The Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Linda Worrall
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- The Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Australia
| | - Brooke Ryan
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Australia
- Discipline of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Utimo, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Shafer JS, Haley KL, Jacks A. Barriers to Informational Support for Care Partners of People With Aphasia After Stroke. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:2211-2231. [PMID: 37566895 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-22-00391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care partners of people with aphasia after stroke need various informational supports, such as aphasia education and resources for psychosocial support. However, informational support may vary across clinicians, and access to these supports remains a persistent unmet need. Using implementation science frameworks can help to assess the gap between what is known about an issue and what is occurring in practice. AIM The aim was to identify barriers to providing informational support for care partners of people with aphasia after stroke. METHOD AND PROCEDURE We performed a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected from two of our previous studies. New themes were identified by comparing feedback from both speech-language pathologists and care partners, and previously assigned codes were interpreted relative to the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS We identified four implementation themes that were specifically related to the action cycle of the KTA framework: (a) Aphasia rehabilitation tends to exclude care partners, (b) aphasia rehabilitation can be hard to understand, (c) structure is lacking for care partner check-ins, and (d) care partner informational support rarely extends beyond the acute phases of recovery. CONCLUSION The results suggest that changes are needed at both systemic and care provider levels to ensure that tailored information is provided to care partners of people with aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Shafer
- Program on Integrative Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Katarina L Haley
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Adam Jacks
- Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Lo SHS, Chau JPC. Experiences of participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes: A qualitative study of community-dwelling adults with post-stroke aphasia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023. [PMID: 36694350 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with post-stroke aphasia tend to have smaller social networks, a higher risk of depression and poorer health-related quality of life than those who do not have aphasia after stroke. Stroke-specific or general rehabilitation programmes offered by community-based organizations are commonly group-based and involve discussions among group members with or without stroke. Research has shown that people with post-stroke aphasia may be unable to participate fully in verbal sharing of experiences and exchange of thoughts. AIMS To explore the experiences of people with post-stroke aphasia in relation to participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes organized by community-based organizations. METHODS & PROCEDURES A qualitative design was adopted, including individual, semi-structured interviews with 20 adults with post-stroke aphasia recruited from community-based rehabilitation centres and support groups. The participants had a mean age of 68.86 ± 13.54 years and a mean post-stroke duration of 9.24 ± 7.72 years. They had participated in at least one group-based rehabilitation programme organized by community-based organizations in the past year. The participants were asked about their experiences of attending group-based programme(s), thoughts and feelings while interacting with the facilitators and group members, and satisfaction with their participation. The interview data were thematically analysed. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Three themes were identified: (1) hurdles to active and fulfilling participation including the dominance of verbal sharing, short duration of the programme, being a minority in the group and accumulated negative experiences; (2) strategies adopted to improve participation including accepting a reduced speaking ability, having support from caregivers, and trying mobile apps to vocalize and supplement meanings; and (3) a preference for certain group conditions including receiving invitations by staff with whom they were familiar, groups that are led by experienced facilitators, a large or small group, the dominance of non-verbal activities, and inclusion of only people with post-stroke aphasia. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The findings showed that people with post-stroke aphasia experience difficulties participating more actively in group-based rehabilitation programmes due to hurdles in terms of the structure and format of the programmes and accumulation of negative experiences. Facilitating positive group experiences for these people with innovative methods, such as using technology and providing professional and standby support, would be helpful. Longer sessions with smaller groups, exclusively including people with post-stroke aphasia and involving more non-verbal activities to help them express feelings, are suggested to optimize the benefits they derive from these group-based programmes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Stroke-specific or general group-based rehabilitation programmes are commonly offered by community-based organizations to support the recovery of people with or without stroke. However, some people with post-stroke aphasia may be unable to participate fully in verbal sharing of experiences and exchange of thoughts during these group-based programmes, which can limit the benefits they derive from these programmes. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study explored the experiences of people with post-stroke aphasia in relation to participating in group-based rehabilitation programmes not specifically designed for people with stroke-induced aphasia organized by community-based organizations. The findings provide an insight into how these people participate in groups, their thoughts and feelings during interactions with the facilitators and group members, their satisfaction with their level of participation, and the characteristics of the groups they prefer to join. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? People with post-stroke aphasia experience difficulties participating more actively in group-based programmes due to hurdles in terms of the structure and format of the group-based programmes and accumulation of negative experiences contributing to decreased motivation to participating in groups. More positive group experiences can be fostered by adopting longer sessions with smaller groups that exclusively include people with post-stroke aphasia and involve more non-verbal activities to help them express their feelings. Communication partner training for facilitators and the use of technology to support communication are suggested to promote active and fulfilling participation of the people with aphasia in group-based programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Hoi Shan Lo
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Janita Pak Chun Chau
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Fridriksson J, Basilakos A, Boyle M, Cherney LR, DeDe G, Gordon JK, Harnish SM, Hoover EL, Hula WD, Pompon RH, Johnson LP, Kiran S, Murray LL, Rose ML, Obermeyer J, Salis C, Walker GM, Martin N. Demystifying the complexity of aphasia treatment: Application of the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS). Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:574-580. [PMID: 34748758 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A considerable body of research supports the use of behavioral communication treatment as the standard of care for aphasia. In spite of robust progress in clinical aphasiology, many questions regarding optimal care remain unanswered. One of the major challenges to progress in the field is the lack of a common framework to adequately describe individual treatments, which, if available, would allow comparisons across studies as well as improved communication among researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders. Here, we describe how aphasia treatment approaches can be systematically characterized using the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS). At the core of the RTSS is a tripartite structure that focuses on targets (the behavior that is expected to change as a result of treatment), ingredients (what a clinician does to affect change in the target), and mechanism(s) of action (why a given treatment works by linking the ingredients to the target). Three separate papers in the current issue specifically describe how the RTSS can be used to describe different kinds of aphasia treatment approaches: functional approaches, cognitive-linguistic approaches, and biological approaches. It is our hope that the application of the RTSS in clinical aphasiology will improve communication in published studies, grant proposals, and in the clinical care of persons with aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Fridriksson
- Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR), University of South Carolina.
| | - Alexandra Basilakos
- Center for the Study of Aphasia Recovery (C-STAR), University of South Carolina
| | - Mary Boyle
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
| | - Leora R Cherney
- Think and Speak, Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Chicago, IL; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Gayle DeDe
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University
| | - Jean K Gordon
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa
| | - Stacy M Harnish
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, The Ohio State University
| | | | - William D Hula
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA; Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | | | - Swathi Kiran
- Department of Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences, Boston University
| | - Laura L Murray
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Miranda L Rose
- Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Obermeyer
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - Christos Salis
- Speech and Language Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne
| | - Grant M Walker
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Nadine Martin
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Temple University
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Lynch EA, Lassig C, Turner T, Churilov L, Hill K, Shrubsole K. Prioritizing guideline recommendations for implementation: a systematic, consumer-inclusive process with a case study using the Australian Clinical Guidelines for Stroke Management. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:85. [PMID: 34022906 PMCID: PMC8140744 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementation of evidence-based care remains a key challenge in clinical practice. Determining "what" to implement can guide implementation efforts. This paper describes a process developed to identify priority recommendations from clinical guidelines for implementation, incorporating the perspectives of both consumers and health professionals. A case study is presented where the process was used to prioritize recommendations for implementation from the Australian Stroke Clinical Guidelines. METHODS The process was developed by a multidisciplinary group of researchers following consultation with experts in the field of implementation and stroke care in Australia. Use of the process incorporated surveys and facilitated workshops. Survey data were analysed descriptively; responses to ranking exercises were analysed via a graph theory-based voting system. RESULTS The four-step process to identify high-priority recommendations for implementation comprised the following: (1) identifying key implementation criteria, which included (a) reliability of the evidence underpinning the recommendation, (b) capacity to measure change in practice, (c) a recommendation-practice gap, (d) clinical importance and (e) feasibility of making the recommended changes; (2) shortlisting recommendations; (3) ranking shortlisted recommendations and (4) reaching consensus on top priorities. The process was applied to the Australian Stroke Clinical Guidelines between February 2019 and February 2020. Seventy-five health professionals and 16 consumers participated. Use of the process was feasible. Three recommendations were identified as priorities for implementation from over 400 recommendations. CONCLUSION It is possible to implement a robust process which involves consumers, clinicians and researchers to systematically prioritize guideline recommendations for implementation. The process is generalizable and could be applied in clinical areas other than stroke and in different geographical regions to identify implementation priorities. The identification of three clear priority recommendations for implementation from the Australian Stroke Clinical Guidelines will directly inform the development and delivery of national implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Lynch
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Campus, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001 Australia
- Adelaide Nursing School, University of Adelaide, Level 4 AHMS Building, Adelaide, 5005 Australia
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stroke Rehabilitation and Brain Recovery, 245 Burgundy St, Heidelberg, VIC 3084 Australia
| | - Chris Lassig
- Stroke Foundation, Level 7/461 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Tari Turner
- Cochrane Australia, Level 4/553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Leonid Churilov
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Kelvin Hill
- Stroke Foundation, Level 7/461 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Kirstine Shrubsole
- Southern Cross University, Bilinga, QLD 4225 Australia
- The Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD Australia
- Centre of Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Bundoora, Australia
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Manning M, Cuskelly C, Russ E, Franklin S. Supporting people with post-stroke aphasia to live well: A cross-sectional survey of Speech & Language Therapists in Ireland. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:2105-2116. [PMID: 32462685 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Living well with post-stroke aphasia is supported by responsive, collaborative heath and related services, aphasia information and training for people with aphasia (PWA) and their social networks, and opportunities to contribute and participate autonomously in their communities. Several international surveys indicate shortcomings in the provision of long-term support and, in Ireland, while there is a lack of data around service provision for PWA, there is evidence that post-acute stroke services are fragmented and under-resourced. The aim of this study was to survey Speech & Language Therapists (SLTs), due to their unique role in aphasia management, to understand what SLT and related support services and aphasia information and training are currently available to support living well with aphasia in Ireland. We developed and piloted a self-administered, web-based cross-sectional survey with questions informed by a systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis around living well with aphasia, and with input from a Public and Patient Involvement aphasia advisory group. Data from 95 SLTs working with PWA were analysed using descriptive statistics. Although SLT was generally available for PWA, the results highlight access barriers and evidence-practice gaps in terms of the amount, intensity and timing of SLT to be maximally effective and there was a lack of PWA input into service design and evaluation. Access to other relevant supports such as mental health services was inconsistent and there was a lack of community support for families. There were shortcomings in access to aphasia information/training for PWA, families, friends and other healthcare professionals. There is a need for a coordinated and standardised approach to supporting PWA across Ireland. This study addresses an evidence gap around the provision of stroke services for PWA and is part of a larger project aiming to produce recommendations for improving person-centred support to facilitate living well with aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Manning
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Ciara Cuskelly
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Erin Russ
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
| | - Sue Franklin
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Republic of Ireland
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Alary Gauvreau C, Le Dorze G. Participant reported outcomes of a community of practice about social participation for speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:231-242. [PMID: 32441986 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1764116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Because of their communication difficulties, persons with aphasia are at risk of not fully participating in significant activities after rehabilitation. Speech-language pathologists can contribute to support optimal social participation in rehabilitation. A community of practice (CoP) was designed to provide motivated clinicians with opportunities to acquire knowledge and reflect on social participation within aphasia rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of this CoP according to the perspectives of speech-language pathologist participants.Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted 4 to 10 weeks after the end of the CoP with 13 speech-language pathologist participants. Analyses were guided by grounded theory.Results: Participants perceived that the CoP experience contributed to a better alignment of their practice with the ideal end purpose of optimizing social participation. A sense of community emerged among CoP members, who collectively reflected on their practice. Participants stated feeling equipped to adopt new practices, adopting new practices for optimizing social participation, and/or advocating for better services for persons with aphasia. They felt increased confidence, motivation, well-being, and/or energy towards their practice.Conclusions: CoPs can help speech-language pathologists to more confidently practice with the goal of optimizing the social participation of persons with aphasia.Implications for rehabilitationSpeech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation, as a result of being involved in a community of practice (CoP) about social participation, may offer more evidence-based services aiming at optimizing the social participation of persons with aphasia.Markers of a successful CoP may include participants' increased feelings of confidence, motivation, well-being, and/or energy towards their practice.CoPs can be used for continuing education purposes and support the development of clinical expertise among professionals, such as speech-language pathologists in aphasia rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Alary Gauvreau
- School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Canada.,Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital, Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Canada
| | - Guylaine Le Dorze
- School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal (CRIR), Montreal, Canada
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Godlove J, Anantha V, Advani M, Des Roches C, Kiran S. Comparison of Therapy Practice at Home and in the Clinic: A Retrospective Analysis of the Constant Therapy Platform Data Set. Front Neurol 2019; 10:140. [PMID: 30858819 PMCID: PMC6398324 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Computer-based therapies can provide an affordable and practical alternative by providing frequent intervention for stroke survivors with chronic aphasia by allowing the opportunity for home exercise practice, however more evidence is needed. The goal of this retrospective analysis was to compare the time course of therapy engagement when therapy was targeted in the clinic or at home by post-stroke individuals. We examined if home users of the therapy were compliant in therapy and if this documented practice time was associated with improved outcomes similar to clinic patients who practiced under the guidance of a clinician. Methods: A retrospective analysis of anonymously aggregated data collected for 3,686 patients with post-stroke aphasia over the course of four years (2013–2017) was conducted. Participants either received therapy delivered through Constant Therapy only at home (N = 2,100) or only in the clinic (N = 1,577). Constant Therapy includes over 70 evidence-based therapies for language and cognitive skills. This program was individualized for each patient with targeted tasks that dynamically adapted to each individual's progress. Results: Patients with <60% accuracy were analyzed to determine how long it took them to reach >90% accuracy. Results showed that both home-therapy and clinic patients reached 90% accuracy on their tasks similarly (Median = 3 sessions), but the frequency of therapy was significantly different with 50% of home users receiving therapy at least every 2 days while 50% of clinic patients only had therapy once every 5 days (p < 0.001). Thus, home-therapy users were able to master tasks in a shorter time (median of 6 days) than clinic patients (median of 12 days) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Outcomes of treatment are similar for home users and clinic patients indicating the potential usability of a home-based treatment program for rehabilitation for post-stroke aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Swathi Kiran
- The Learning Corporation, Newton, MA, United States.,Aphasia Research Laboratory, Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Shrubsole K, Worrall L, Power E, O'Connor DA. The Acute Aphasia IMplementation Study (AAIMS): a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2018; 53:1021-1056. [PMID: 30079573 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective implementation strategies to improve speech and language therapists' (SLTs) aphasia management practices are needed. Australian SLTs working in the acute setting have reported inconsistent implementation of post-stroke aphasia guideline recommendations. Therefore, implementation efforts to address these gaps are necessary. However, little is known about the effectiveness of behaviour-change strategies in SLTs providing acute aphasia management. AIMS This study designed and tested the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of a tailored implementation strategy to improve acute SLTs' uptake of evidence in two areas of practice: aphasia-friendly information provision; and collaborative goal setting. METHODS & PROCEDURES A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial design was used (retrospective trial registration number ACTRN12618000170224). Four acute SLT teams were randomly assigned to receive either Intervention A (targeted at improving information provision) or Intervention B (targeted at improving collaborative goal setting), and were blinded to their allocation. Interventions were tailored to address known barriers and included a face-to-face workshop incorporating behaviour-change techniques. Outcomes addressed the research questions of feasibility (e.g., treatment fidelity and retention of participants), acceptability (e.g., post-study focus groups) and potential effectiveness (e.g., medical record audits and behaviour construct surveys). The quantitative data were recorded at baseline and 3-6-month follow-up, allowing for change scores to be calculated. OUTCOMES & RESULTS All four clusters completed the study, with 37 SLTs participating. The majority of participants were female (36/37 = 97.3%), entry-level clinicians (15/37 = 40.5%), with a mean age of 30 years. Medical record data from 107 patients were included (post-intervention n = 61; information provision intervention n = 36, goal-setting intervention n = 25). Overall, there was a significant improvement in the target behaviour for Intervention A (mean improvement 52.78%, p = 0.001), but a small non-significant change in the target behaviour for Intervention B (8.46%, p = 0.406). There were potentially significant changes seen in several, but not all, of the domains targeted by the interventions (e.g., Knowledge (p = 0.014), Beliefs about Capabilities (p = 0.032), and Environmental Context and Resources (p = 0.000) for Intervention A). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS This study showed that a tailored implementation intervention targeting acute SLTs' aphasia management practices was feasible to deliver and acceptable for most participants. In addition, the interventions were potentially effective, particularly for the information provision behaviour targeted by Intervention A. It was possible partially to explain the mechanisms of behaviour change that occurred during the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Shrubsole
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Linda Worrall
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma Power
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denise A O'Connor
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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