Collaborative Goals for Communicative Life Participation in Aphasia: The FOURC Model

Safety-Seeking Behaviors and Anxiety Maintenance in People With Aphasia: A Viewpoint

PURPOSE

People with aphasia (PWA) often experience higher levels of anxiety and social isolation than people without aphasia. Although the presence of anxiety is appreciated in PWA, literature examining the etiology and persistent nature of anxiety in PWA is underdeveloped. Safety-seeking behaviors, or maladaptive acts used by individuals to decrease anxiety from a feared outcome, have been reported as key facilitators of long-term anxiety toward feared situations across a variety of clinical populations. The purpose of this viewpoint is to explore the concept of safety-seeking behaviors and discuss their potential relevance to the maintenance of anxiety in PWA. We further discuss the distinction between maladaptive (i.e., safety seeking) and adaptive (i.e., coping) behaviors and how this knowledge may improve the quality of clinical services for PWA.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review advocates for further exploration of the safety-seeking behaviors that are used by PWA. Until critical attention is given to this subject, clinicians may remain ill-equipped to identify and depict whether a self-management strategy is facilitative or inhibitive to PWA's communicative participation goals. Critically, a behavior that may be "maladaptive" for one individual may be "adaptive" for another. Future research should seek to identify common behavioral and cognitive strategies that PWA implement to reduce acute perceptions of anxiety. This knowledge may help facilitate holistic aphasia rehabilitation by allowing clinicians to foster conversations around behaviors that inhibit or promote successful communicative participation.

Major discrimination due to stuttering and its association with quality of life

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify what types of major discrimination have been experienced by adults who stutter throughout their lives, and investigate the association between the number of different types of major discrimination events experienced and quality of life.

METHODS

Measures of quality of life (Kemp Quality of Life Scale) and major discrimination (adapted Major Experiences of Discrimination Scale) were completed by 303 adults who stutter. Correlational and regression analyses were conducted with these variables.

RESULTS

A majority (56%) of the participants had experienced at least one episode of major discrimination due to stuttering during their lives. The major discrimination experiences most commonly reported included not being hired for a job and being discouraged by a teacher or advisor from pursuing certain careers or jobs because of stuttering. There was a significant negative relationship between quality of life and major discrimination. Increased major discrimination predicted lower quality of life even after taking into account demographic variables and severity of physical speech disruption.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of a negative association between major discrimination and quality of life add support to the notion that reducing societal stigma related to stuttering should be a priority of the field. Discriminatory practices of listeners constitute a social-environmental barrier to communicative participation and quality of life in people who stutter and should be addressed by professionals in the field of speech-language pathology and other stakeholders.

A Review of Poststroke Aphasia Recovery and Treatment Options

Poststroke aphasia, which impacts expressive and receptive communication, can have detrimental effects on the psychosocial well-being and the quality of life of those affected. Aphasia recovery is multidimensional and can be influenced by several baseline, stroke-related, and treatment-related factors, including preexisting cerebrovascular conditions, stroke size and location, and amount of therapy received. Importantly, aphasia recovery can continue for many years after aphasia onset. Behavioral speech and language therapy with a speech-language pathologist is the most common form of aphasia therapy. In this review, the authors also discuss augmentative treatment methodologies, collaborative goal setting frameworks, and recommendations for future research.

The Communicative Participation Item Bank-Gender-Diverse Version: Item Bank Calibration and Short Form

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to calibrate an item set for a new version of the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) specifically for use with gender-diverse clients. This new version contains a new item stem as well as other minor wording changes from the original CPIB in order to be acceptable to gender-diverse respondents.

METHOD

Survey data on 47 candidate items were collected from 434 transgender individuals: 219 assigned female at birth (AFAB) and 215 assigned male at birth (AMAB). Item response theory analyses included evaluation of unidimensionality, local dependence, fit to a graded response model, and differential item functioning (DIF) between AFAB and AMAB respondents.

RESULTS

The original set of 47 items was unidimensional, but 16 items were removed due to local dependence, resulting in a final item bank of 31 items. There was no evidence of DIF between AFAB and AMAB participants. Reliability of the full item bank is good (i.e., > 0.8) between T scores of 20 and 76 and high (i.e., > 0.9) between T scores of 20 and 68. The short form had good reliability (i.e., > 0.8) between T scores of 24 and 64.

CONCLUSIONS

The Communicative Participation Item Bank-Gender-Diverse (CPIB-GD) version provides a new option for person-reported outcome measurement with gender-diverse clients. Clinicians are cautioned to use only the new CPIB-GD with gender-diverse clients, and not the original CPIB due to unacceptable wording in the original version for this population. The original CPIB remains valid and appropriate for the populations for which it was developed.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24993309.

Patient Characteristics and Treatment Patterns for Speech-Language Pathology Services in Skilled Nursing Facilities

PURPOSE

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) care has historically been influenced by systemic issues that could impact speech-language pathology (SLP) service provision. However, there has been little study specifically on factors associated with SLP service provision in SNFs. Large administrative data sets are rarely analyzed in SLP research but can be used to understand real-world SLP services. This study investigated associations between patient and facility characteristics and SLP services.

METHOD

Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to evaluate factors associated with SLP service provision in 2018 Medicare administrative data representing 833,653 beneficiaries.

RESULTS

Beneficiaries had higher odds of receiving SLP services when they had neurologic diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.32), had SLP-related functional impairments (ORs = 1.19-3.41), and received other rehabilitative services (ORs = 3.11-3.78). Beneficiaries had lower odds of receiving SLP services when they received care from SNFs located in hospitals versus freestanding (OR = 0.45), with need for interpreter services (OR = 0.76) and with thresholding (OR = 0.68), a financially motivated practice. Direction of association varied across racial and ethnic groups and measures of location. Odds of being provided SLP services decreased with increasing communication impairment severity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that clinicians are identifying patients with diagnoses most likely to warrant SLP services. However, association disparities and weakening association of service provision with increasing impairment severity have concerning clinical implications. Health services research methods can be used to further explore SLP practices in SNFs to support equitable service provision.

"Take Us Into Account": Perspectives of Family Members of People With Parkinson's Disease Regarding Speech-Language Pathology Intervention

PURPOSE

While communication changes associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) have been documented, research on the impact of these changes on family members is just beginning to emerge. With this new focus on family, questions arise as to how well speech-language pathology services address their needs communicating with their loved one with PD. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of family members of people with PD (PwPD) and their recommendations for speech-language pathology services that incorporated their needs.

METHOD

Seventeen spouses/partners of PwPD participated in focus groups that were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analyses.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged, all focusing around the central tenet that the experiences of family members, and hence their need for speech-language pathology support, transitioned through the stages of PD progression. Theme 1 summarized increasing burdens on family to manage communication as PD progressed beyond a brief period of independent strategy use by PwPD. Theme 2 highlighted multifactorial contributors to communication burdens on families, with cognitive impairments being the most underrecognized. Theme 3 illustrated how families wanted more intervention options from speech-language pathologists (SLPs) that included them, but with a tailored approach for PD stages and personal preferences.

CONCLUSIONS

When SLPs provide families with either generic communication strategies or strategies that do not fit the individualized needs of PwPD and their families, we may inadvertently be increasing the burden on families. There is a need for systematic, evidence-based, family-centered interventions that include, but go beyond, current speech-focused interventions to meet the shared communication needs of PwPD and their families.

Communicative participation outcomes in individuals with Parkinson's disease receiving standard care speech-language therapy services in community settings

BACKGROUND

The Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) is a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) designed to measure the extent of interference, or difficulty, experienced by adults with communication disorders participating in their day-to-day communication activities. To date, there is limited evidence regarding sensitivity of the CPIB for capturing change with intervention in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD).

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to examine the following measurement properties of the CPIB in PwPD who received community-based, standard care, speech-language therapy focusing on motor speech concerns: Change over time between treatment and observation groups, comparison to patient-defined ideal and satisfactory targets, comparison of static short form to computerised adaptive testing (CAT), comparison of self to proxy-rated scores, and comparison to other common PROMs.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Forty-six PwPD (20 treatment/26 observation) completed data collection upon enrolment (pre-treatment) and 6 months later. In addition to the CPIB, PROMs included the Voice Handicap Index 10-item short form (VHI-10), PROMIS Global Health-Related Quality of Life, Levels of Speech Usage, self-rated speech severity, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Participants also engaged in qualitative interviews. Forty-four family members completed proxy CPIB ratings.

OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

There were no significant differences between treatment and observation groups on the CPIB pre-treatment, but there were significant differences post-treatment. The differences appeared to be largely due to significant gains in the treatment group. No participants reached their ideal CPIB target, and few reached their satisfactory target. Static CPIB short form and CAT scores were not significantly different, with an average of five CAT items administered per participant. Overall group similarities between patient and proxy scores may have obscured wide variability across individual patient-proxy pairs. Associations between CPIB and VHI-10, health-related quality of life, self-reported speech severity, and depression ranged from weak to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The CPIB appears to be sensitive to capturing change with intervention, and similar results are obtained with the static short form and CAT formats. One clinical caution is that even with gains observed in the treatment group, no participants obtained their ideal communicative participation goals, and few obtained a satisfactory level of communicative participation. Thus, while current interventions are beneficial, they may not meet the full range of clients' communication needs. While responding to the CPIB through a proxy rater may be feasible, caution is warranted due to concerns about maintaining the autonomy of PwPD.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject The communication disorders associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) can have a negative impact on quality of life and life participation as measured by patient (or person)-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) is one PROM available to use with adults with communication disorders. However, little is known about whether the CPIB captures changes in communicative participation as a result of standard care treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD). Use of computerised adaptive testing (CAT), proxy report and comparison to targeted participation outcomes have not been explored. What this study adds to existing knowledge As a result of this study, we know that the CPIB captured differences between treatment and observation groups after community-based, standard care speech therapy intervention focusing on motor speech production in PwPD. Static short form and CAT scores did not differ significantly, so the CAT option provides better efficiency requiring, on average, five items to administer compared to the 10-item short form. Proxy and PwPD scores did not differ as a group, but wide variability was noted. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The CPIB may be a clinically sensitive instrument for capturing changes in communicative participation after treatment. No participants met their ideal CPIB target, and few reached their satisfactory target, suggesting that while current interventions contribute to gains in communicative participation, there are still unmet needs that may call for support and interventions addressing the more complex array of factors affecting communicative participation outcomes for PwPD.

Characteristics of goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to map the literature on goal-setting tools in adult rehabilitation, exploring their characteristics, target users and supporting evidence to inform practice and future research in this area.

METHODS

We completed a comprehensive search of four databases to identify relevant articles on tools for goal setting in rehabilitation. We followed Arkey and O'Malley's scoping review process to guide article selection, data extraction and data analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 165 studies that reported on 55 different goal-setting tools, including tools for goal selection and goal documentation (n = 31), goal setting and intervention planning (n = 15), and for measuring the quality of the goal-setting process (n = 9). Over half of the tools were primarily designed for use in rehabilitation of physical disabilities (n = 32). Some tools fell under multiple sub-categories based on their characteristics as follows: 22 framework tools, 12 interview tools, 9 outcome measurement tools for goal achievement, 6 outcome measurement tools for goal quality and 25 documentation tools. The majority of goal-setting instruments targeted goals at the level of activity and participation (n = 51) and aimed to facilitate a client-centred or shared decision-making approach to rehabilitation planning (n = 46).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive overview of existing goal-setting tools, highlighting their characteristics, target users and identified needs. These findings can enhance practitioners' awareness of the range of goal-setting tools available and can enable more effective utilization of these tools in clinical practice. Further research should investigate how clinicians can combine multiple tools to deliver goal setting.

The Communication Success Screener: A Preliminary Investigation of Perceived Communicative Success Across Modalities, Environments, and Demands

PURPOSE

Behavioral intervention targeting speech, language, and communication concerns is an established therapeutic approach for patients with communication concerns across a range of acquired neurogenic disorders. The multidimensional factors that contribute to a person's self-identified communication challenges and strengths in their daily communication needs must be considered to provide functional and person-centered care. While assessments grounded in clinician observation or client self-report exist, there is a direct need for a screening tool that comprehensively evaluates the roles of modality (verbal, text, gesture) and environment (in-person, virtual) on self-reported success across communicative demands. In this study, we describe a preliminary approach to monitoring the progression of receptive and expressive communication skills in people with chronic poststroke aphasia in the context of communication practices of the 21st century, culminating in the development and exploratory implementation of a novel clinical instrument: the Communication Success Screener (COMSS).

METHOD

Thirty-three participants with aphasia due to stroke were recruited to complete and evaluate the COMSS via an online survey. Quantitative responses and open-ended participant feedback were collected to validate and propose adaptations to the COMSS. Group-level analyses and case presentations were used to highlight COMSS features and outcomes.

RESULTS

Participant responses to the COMSS questionnaire suggest that this screening tool creates differentiated communicative success profiles based on self-report. Participant feedback also indicated that the COMSS appropriately evaluates self-reported success across modalities of verbal, text, and gesture in the context of in-person and virtual environments.

CONCLUSIONS

The communication concerns experienced by people with aphasia are often heterogeneous and vary as a function of their daily activities of living, preferred language modalities, and environmental supports. We present preliminary feasibility analyses of the COMSS as a potential tool to support the monitoring of functional change by evaluating self-reported communicative success across form, modality, environment, and task demand.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24521044.

Generalization in Aphasia Treatment: A Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathologists

PURPOSE

Generalization has been defined and instantiated in a variety of ways over the last half-century, and this lack of consistency has created challenges for speech-language pathologists to plan for, implement, and measure generalization in aphasia treatment protocols. This tutorial provides an overview of generalization with a focus on how it relates to aphasia intervention, including a synthesis of existing principles of generalization and examples of how these can be embedded in approaches to aphasia treatment in clinical and research settings.

METHOD

Three articles collectively listing 20 principles of generalization formed the foundation for this tutorial. The seminal work of Stokes and Baer (1977) focused attention on generalization in behavioral change following treatment. Two aphasia-specific resources identified principles of generalization in relation to aphasia treatment (Coppens & Patterson, 2018; Thompson, 1989). A selective literature review was conducted to identify evidence-based examples of each of these 20 principles from the extant literature.

RESULTS

Five principles of generalization were synthesized from the original list of 20. Each principle was supported by studies drawn from the aphasia treatment literature to exemplify its application.

CONCLUSIONS

Generalization is an essential aspect of meaningful aphasia intervention. Successful generalization requires the same dedication to strategic planning and outcome measurement as the direct training aspect of intervention. Although not all people with aphasia are likely to benefit equally from each of the principles reviewed herein, our synthesis provides information to consider for maximizing generalization of aphasia treatment outcomes.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24714399.

Systematization of a cognitive-communicative intervention based on reminiscence for older adults

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of the reminiscence-based cognitive-communicative intervention program (CCSP-R) on global cognitive processing and self-perception of subjective well-being.

METHODS

A purposive sample of 100 self-care elderly adults, with 65 composing the study group and 35 in the control group. The study group was subjected to the proposed program. The Wilcoxon test compared the outcome measures of global cognitive efficacy (MMSE) and subjective well-being (SWLS) before and after the program, whereas the Mann-Whitney U test compared the pre- and post-test differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was found between the pre- and post-test of the SWLS in the study group, but not in the control group. This result was replicated in the global cognitive efficacy variable. A difference between the groups occurred in both measures, with greater benefit for the group that received the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The CCSP-R is a viable alternative for cognitive-communicative stimulation of functional order. The evidence of differences in performance supports its usefulness and validity for intervention in primary care or other similar contexts.

Assessing Patients and Care Partner Ratings of Communication-Related Participation Restrictions: Insights From Degenerative Disease

PURPOSE

Prior studies have shown that communication-related participation restrictions in patients with degenerative disease do not always match clinician judgment or objective indices of symptom severity. Although there is a growing body of literature documenting that discrepancies between patients with dementia and their care partners' perception of participation restrictions exist, it is not known how care partner perceptions of communication participation restrictions specifically match or diverge from the patients' experiences, which may inform the use of care partner proxy in the context of degenerative diseases.

METHOD

Thirty-eight patients with progressive neurologic conditions (progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal syndrome, and primary progressive aphasia or apraxia of speech) and, in most instances, focal cognitive-communication disorders were included. The patients and their accompanying care partners independently completed the Communicative Participation Item Bank, short form, a 10-question survey about communication participation restrictions in different contexts. Care partners were instructed to complete the form with their perception of the patient's experience. The difference between patient and care partner total scores were calculated and analyzed relative to clinical and demographic variables of interest.

RESULTS

Care partner ratings modestly tracked with patient experience and objective indices of symptom severity but did not exactly match patient ratings. The presence of aphasia increased, but did not fully account for, the likelihood of a discrepancy between care partner and patient ratings.

CONCLUSION

Although careful consideration should be given prior to using care-partner report as a proxy for patient experience, it is worthwhile to include care partner ratings as a means of supporting conversations about differing perceptions, guiding joint intervention planning, and monitoring care-partner perceptions of change along with the implementation of supported conversation strategies.

The Conceptual Analysis of Collaboration in the Occupational Therapy by Combining the Scoping Review Methodology

BACKGROUND

Collaboration is an important concept in goal-setting in occupational therapy. However, this concept is not stable due to various definitions. The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of collaboration in occupational therapy.

METHOD

A scoping review was used to search for all articles related to occupational therapy and collaboration. PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and OT Seeker searches were conducted using predetermined keywords. Three examiners independently reviewed and assessed the quality of each study using Walker and Avant's concept analysis method.

RESULTS

Results of the database searches yielded 1873 studies, 585 of which were deemed eligible to include in this review. Results showed five attributes ("active participation for the common objective", "existence of something to share", "matured communication and interaction", "relationship founded on the respect and trust" and "complementing each other") and two antecedents and several consequences.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may contribute to collaborative goal-setting and occupational therapy.

Motivation in Aphasia Treatment: Self-Determination Theory Applied to the FOURC Model

PURPOSE

Although the importance of motivation to successful rehabilitation is frequently acknowledged in the aphasia literature, little evidence-based guidance has been provided on how to support it. The purpose of this tutorial is to introduce a well-validated theory of motivation, self-determination theory (SDT); explain its role as the foundation for the FOURC model of collaborative goal setting and treatment planning; and explain how it may be applied during rehabilitation to support the motivation of people with aphasia.

METHOD

We provide an overview of SDT, explore the link between motivation and psychological wellness, and discuss how psychological needs are addressed in SDT and the FOURC model. Concrete examples from aphasia therapy are used to illustrate main concepts.

CONCLUSIONS

SDT offers tangible guidance for supporting motivation and wellness. SDT-based practices support positive forms of motivation, which is one of the targets of FOURC. An understanding of SDT's theoretical foundation will help clinicians maximize the impact of collaborative goal setting and aphasia therapy more generally.

Motivation Theory and Practice in Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

In the aphasia literature, motivation has been described as potentially influencing rehabilitation outcomes, and there are reports that researchers and clinicians have acted to promote it. However, studies directly investigating the range of beliefs and practices surrounding motivation do not exist currently. The purpose of this scoping review is to develop themes related to the beliefs and practices appearing in the recent aphasia literature.

METHOD

Four databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar) were searched using keywords aphasia and motivation (including derivatives such as motiv*) for articles published between 2009 and 2020. Searches returned 19,731 articles; after deleting duplicates and applying inclusionary criteria, 365 articles remained. In each article, text surrounding the term motivation was highlighted and thematic analysis was applied to these quotations.

RESULTS

Sixteen themes were developed through thematic analysis and placed into two groups. The first group contained five themes suggesting that researchers believed that motivation should be studied and recognized the value of motivation in person(s) with aphasia when participating in research or clinical activities. The second group contained 11 themes reporting diverse beliefs and practices in how motivation is incorporated in research and clinical activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this scoping review suggest that aphasia researchers, clinicians, and persons with aphasia hold beliefs about motivation that can influence clinical and research decisions. In general, beliefs and decisions related to motivation appeared to be guided by intuition rather than theories of motivation. These themes are discussed within the context of three psychological needs proposed by self-determination theory: competency, autonomy, and relatedness. Applying theories of motivation to future study in aphasia rehabilitation will guide work that can provide empirical support for these beliefs.

Communication Bridge™-2 (CB2): an NIH Stage 2 randomized control trial of a speech-language intervention for communication impairments in individuals with mild to moderate primary progressive aphasia

BACKGROUND

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a clinical dementia syndrome. Impairments in language (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding) are the primary and persistent symptoms. These impairments progress insidiously and devastate communication confidence, participation, and quality of life for persons living with PPA. Currently, there are no effective disease modifying treatments for PPA. Speech-language interventions hold promise for mitigating communication challenges and language symptoms. However, evidence regarding their efficacy in PPA is of low quality and there are currently no rigorous randomized trials.

METHOD

Communication Bridge™-2 (CB2) is a Stage 2, superiority, single-blind, randomized, parallel group, active-control, behavioral clinical trial delivered virtually within a telehealth service delivery model to individuals with PPA. Ninety carefully characterized participants with clinically confirmed PPA will be randomized to one of two speech-language intervention arms: (1) Communication Bridge™ a dyadic intervention based in communication participation therapy models that incorporates salient training stimuli or (2) the control intervention a non-dyadic intervention based in impairment therapy models addressing word retrieval and language production that incorporates fixed stimuli. The superiority of Communication Bridge™ over the Control arm will be evaluated using primary outcomes of communication confidence and participation. Other outcomes include accuracy for trained words and scripts. Participants complete two therapy blocks over a 12-month period. Outcomes will be measured at baseline, at each therapy block, and at 12 months post enrollment.

DISCUSSION

The CB2 trial will supply Level 2 evidence regarding the efficacy of the Communication Bridge™ intervention delivered in a telehealth service delivery model for individuals with mild to moderate PPA. An important by-product of the CB2 trial is that these data can be used to evaluate the efficacy of speech-language interventions delivered in both trial arms for persons with PPA. The impact of these data should not be overlooked as they will yield important insights examining why interventions work and for whom, which will advance effectiveness trials for speech-language interventions in PPA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03371706 . Registered prospectively on December 13, 2017.

Psychosocial care of people with aphasia: Practices of speech-language pathologists in South Africa

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the practices of a sample of South African speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in providing psychosocial care to people with aphasia. People with aphasia are at risk of adverse psychosocial disruptions and access to appropriate support may be particularly challenging for individuals with compromised communication abilities. The study considered the multilingual and multicultural context of South Africa. By understanding current practices, direction for improved psychosocial care to clients as well as support to SLPs is highlighted.Method: A 20-item previously published online survey was completed by 56 South African SLPs. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative content analysis, were used.Result: Respondents recognised addressing psychosocial wellbeing to be very important. A variety of psychosocial approaches were used in practice. However, 67.9% of the sample felt ill-equipped to provide psychosocial care to people with aphasia. Further barriers included: time/caseload pressures (60.7%) and feeling out of their depth (48.2%). Enablers were: access to more training opportunities (89.3%), adequate time (62.5%), and ongoing support from skilled professionals (55.4%). The majority of respondents also perceived mental health professionals to have limited expertise in working with people with aphasia, making onward referral challenging.Conclusion: Respondents support people with aphasia's psychosocial wellbeing by employing counselling strategies, including family, and person-centred goal-setting. However, many challenges to the provision of psychosocial care to people with aphasia were identified. To improve services, more training opportunities, improved role definition and interprofessional collaboration, are required.

Using an Implementation Framework to Survey Outcome Measurement and Treatment Practices in Aphasia

PURPOSE

Best practices in the field of aphasia rehabilitation increasingly acknowledge a whole-person approach that values interventions aimed at reducing impairments, while also recognizing the impact of aphasia on participation and quality of life. Guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), this study aimed to examine whether current clinical practices along levels of service provision reflect this whole-person, multifaceted approach.

METHOD

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the United States who provide intervention to people with aphasia across the continuum of care completed this cross-sectional online survey. Current outcome measurement and treatment practices were evaluated within the Living With Aphasia: Framework for Outcome Measurement via multiple-choice and open-text response questions. Data were analyzed descriptively and using ordinal logistic regression models to compare clinical practices along levels of service provision.

RESULTS

Data from 90 SLPs revealed that language and cognitive skills are assessed with equal consistency across clinical settings; however, functional communication, participation, and quality of life domains are prioritized in settings providing care to clients within the community. Psychological well-being is rarely assessed within clinical practice along most of the rehabilitation process and prioritized within the university clinic setting when clients are in the chronic stage of recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical practices related to a multifaceted approach to aphasia intervention are variable across levels of service provision. Further exploration of barriers and facilitators to multifaceted aphasia care along the domains of the CFIR is needed to provide an informed approach to implementing change.

Prognostication in Poststroke Aphasia: Perspectives of Significant Others of People With Aphasia on Receiving Information About Recovery

PURPOSE

Knowing what to expect poststroke is important for many significant others of people with aphasia, yet an understanding of their perceptions and preferences in receiving prognostic information is limited. This knowledge is needed to inform the formulation and delivery of aphasia prognoses as conversations about prognosis can be harmful or helpful depending on their alignment with key stakeholder perspectives. Our preliminary study sought insight into the perspectives of significant others of people with aphasia on receiving prognostic information, with an aim toward informing evidence-based practice in aphasia prognostication.

METHOD

We interviewed seven significant others of people with aphasia, 3-12 months poststroke. The interviews were semistructured, conducted one-to-one, and analyzed qualitatively using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Five themes were drawn from the interviews: (a) You don't know what you don't know. (b) Having them alive is the best you can ask for. (c) Recovery in the eye of the beholder. (d) Outcomes don't matter unless they help me help them. (e) It's my prognosis too if I'm living with aphasia.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant other's prognosis-related perceptions and preferences are products of their poststroke reality and may inadvertently shape that of the person with aphasia. In order to facilitate recovery, prognostication practices need to consider the needs of significant others both as providers of care and as requiring care themselves for their first-hand experiences of third-party disability.

What is Functional Communication? A Theoretical Framework for Real-World Communication Applied to Aphasia Rehabilitation

Aphasia is an impairment of language caused by acquired brain damage such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, that affects a person’s ability to communicate effectively. The aim of rehabilitation in aphasia is to improve everyday communication, improving an individual’s ability to function in their day-to-day life. For that reason, a thorough understanding of naturalistic communication and its underlying mechanisms is imperative. The field of aphasiology currently lacks an agreed, comprehensive, theoretically founded definition of communication. Instead, multiple disparate interpretations of functional communication are used. We argue that this makes it nearly impossible to validly and reliably assess a person’s communicative performance, to target this behaviour through therapy, and to measure improvements post-therapy. In this article we propose a structured, theoretical approach to defining the concept of functional communication. We argue for a view of communication as “situated language use”, borrowed from empirical psycholinguistic studies with non-brain damaged adults. This framework defines language use as: (1) interactive, (2) multimodal, and (3) contextual. Existing research on each component of the framework from non-brain damaged adults and people with aphasia is reviewed. The consequences of adopting this approach to assessment and therapy for aphasia rehabilitation are discussed. The aim of this article is to encourage a more systematic, comprehensive approach to the study and treatment of situated language use in aphasia.

The Subjective Experience of Word-Finding Difficulties in People With Aphasia: A Thematic Analysis of Interview Data

PURPOSE

Anomia, or difficulty with naming and word finding, is a pervasive deficit among individuals with aphasia. There is an extensive literature on the mechanisms underlying anomia and on approaches to treatment, but very little is known about the subjective experience of anomia during day-to-day life.

METHOD

As part of a larger testing battery, 53 adults with poststroke aphasia took part in a novel, structured interview that included an open-ended question about the general experience of anomia: "Do you ever know what you want to say, but you can't say it out loud? Please describe that feeling." Video-recorded interview responses were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, an iterative, data-driven process that categorizes interview data into common themes.

RESULTS

Five main themes emerged among the data from 37 participants who produced adequate responses for use in thematic analysis: strategies to cope with or compensate for anomia, comments on awareness of the level of breakdown (e.g., "I have an idea, but can't get the right words"), negative emotions, impact on relationships, and changes in frequency over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants showed strong awareness of anomia and its implications, demonstrating an ability to describe their language breakdown, identify relevant strategies to compensate and/or cope, and acknowledge the impact of anomia on their emotions and social interactions. This patient perspective may serve as a valuable supplement to information typically gained via objective language assessments. Clinicians and researchers may wish to consider incorporating similar subjective measures during assessment and treatment planning. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15032643.

Communication partner engagement: A relevant factor for functional outcomes in speech language therapy for aphasic dementia

OBJECTIVES

Previous reports established the feasibility of a telehealth model for delivering speech-language therapy via Internet videoconferencing, which connects individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) to an expert speech and language pathologist for treatment. This study reports feasibility of the same telehealth intervention in a larger set of progressive aphasia participants and explores factors potentially influencing functional intervention outcomes.

METHODS

Participants with PPA or progressive aphasia in the context of a neurodegenerative dementia syndrome and their communication partners were enrolled into an 8-session intervention, with 3 evaluations (Baseline, 2- and 6-months post-enrollment). Half of the participants were randomized into a "check-in" group and received three monthly half-hour sessions post-intervention. Mixed linear models with post hoc testing and percent change in area under the curve (AUC) were used to examine communication confidence over time, the primary patient reported outcome, as well as the influence of check-in sessions and role of communication partner engagement on communication confidence.

RESULTS

Communication confidence improved at the 2-month evaluation and showed no significant decline at the 6-month evaluation. Item-level analysis revealed gains in communication confidence across multiple communication contexts. Gains and maintenance of communication confidence were only present for the engaged communication partner group and were not bolstered by randomization to the check-in group.

DISCUSSION

Internet-based, person-centered interventions demonstrate promise as a model for delivering speech-language therapy to individuals living with PPA. Maintenance is possible for at least 6-months post-enrollment and is better for those with engaged communication partners, which supports the use of dyadic interventions.

The Person-Centered Rehabilitation Model: Framing the concept and practice of person-centered adult physical rehabilitation based on a scoping review and thematic analysis of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To develop a cross-professional model framing the concept and practice of Person-Centered Rehabilitation (PCR) in adult populations, based on a scoping review and thematic analysis of the literature.

DATA SOURCES

Key databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL), snowballing searches, and experts' consultation were the data sources for English-language empirical or conceptual papers, published from January 2007 to February 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Two independent reviewers selected adult-based papers addressing at least one of the six categories of PCR-related content, a priori specified in the published review protocol. From 6527 unique references, 147 were finally included in the analysis. Of those, 26 were exclusively conceptual papers.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two independent reviewers extracted textual data on what PCR entails conceptually or as a practice. No quality appraisals were performed as is typical in scoping reviews.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A thematic analysis produced thematic categories that were combined into an emergent model (the PCR Model), which was reviewed by five external experts. PCR was framed as a way of thinking about and providing rehabilitation services "with" the person. PCR is embedded in rehabilitation structures and practice across three levels: 1) the person-professional dyad, 2) the micro-system level (typically an interprofessional team, involving significant others) and 3) a macro-system level (organization within which rehabilitation is delivered). Thematic categories are articulated within each level, detailing both the conceptual and practice attributes of PCR.

CONCLUSION

The PCR model can inform both clinical and service organization practices. The PCR Model may benefit from further developments including obtaining wider stakeholders' input, determining relevance in different cultural and linguistic groups, and further operationalization and testing in implementation projects.

Perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation

Background

Working-age adults with aphasia experience difficulties in social participation, specifically fulfilling social roles and reintegrating into communities. Literature regarding social participation of people with aphasia (PWA) is predominantly based on studies conducted in high-income countries (HIC), limiting generalisability of findings. Perspectives of social participation are influenced by person, place and cultural background warranting investigation in heterogeneous low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), like South Africa.

Objectives

Describe perspectives of working-age adults with aphasia regarding social participation within the first 2 years post-incident.

Method

Semi-structured interviews gained perspectives of 10 working-age adults (with mild to moderate aphasia) using principles of supported conversation for adults with aphasia. Data were thematically analysed to describe participants' perspectives of social participation.

Results

Seven themes were identified pertaining to participants' perspectives of social participation. Participants considered rehabilitation services, faith-related activities and returning to work as valued areas of social participation. Previous interests, presence of support and characteristics of communication partners determined their preference and willingness to participate with others. Finally, personal attitudes and feelings continued to influence their perspectives of social participation, as well as their motivation to participate.

Conclusion

Successful social participation was dependent on the PWA's perceived value of social activities and presence of support from significant others. Speech-language therapists are in the ideal position to facilitate PWA's communication abilities and their experience of successful participation through the implementation of person-centered care and community-led intervention. This study provided a preliminary investigation of social participation in South Africa and further investigation is warranted.

Achieving Participation-Focused Intervention Through Shared Decision Making: Proposal of an Age- and Disorder-Generic Framework

Introduction The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health calls on speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to provide care that impacts all aspects of an individual's experience with a communication disorder, including their participation in valued life situations. However, SLPs often report feeling unprepared to implement and document interventions that target life participation. The purpose of this article is to propose a framework to guide participation-focused intervention practices. This age- and disorder-generic framework is designed to be applicable with clients across the variety of settings in which SLPs work. Method In this clinical focus article, we draw on past research and clinical experience to propose a restructuring of World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health components such that participation is the primary focus and outcomes indicator for intervention. In this framework, a specific communicative participation situation is identified and assessed quantitatively, and a corresponding participation-focused goal is established through shared decision making. Following that, assessments are conducted and goals are established in the areas of communication skills, physical and social environments, and personal perspectives. Results The proposed framework provides a concrete organizational structure as well as assessment, goal-writing, and intervention examples to assist SLPs in translating theoretical biopsychosocial frameworks into clinical practices. Conclusions SLPs can and do provide holistic communication services to clients to help them achieve their life participation goals. This article provides an example as to how we can document the need for, as well as the value and impact of our important work, meeting the diverse life participation needs of clients. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12360758.

Clinical Practice Recommendations for Improving Life Participation for People With Aphasia in Long-Term Care

Purpose

The purpose of this clinical focus article is to present an overview of the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia as it relates to issues in long-term care (LTC) and provide practical recommendations for implementing the approach in this setting. The Framework for Living With Aphasia is used as a guide to (a) highlight specific challenges to life participation for residents with aphasia in LTC and (b) propose clinical tools that might help clinicians move through the therapeutic process when implementing the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia.

Recommendations

Clinicians in LTC facilities have the responsibility of delivering services that have a positive impact on communication, social relationships, emotional health, and quality of life. Clinical tools and approaches most appropriate for LTC settings are identified that help to address these goals. Approaches are discussed across several stages representing the therapeutic process, which is ultimately aimed at moving a resident toward recovery and increased independence. Case demonstrations are provided to illustrate approaches.

Dual-Task Effects on Story Retell for Participants With Moderate, Mild, or No Aphasia: Quantitative and Qualitative Findings

Purpose The aims of the study were to determine dual-task effects on content accuracy, delivery speed, and perceived effort during narrative discourse in people with moderate, mild, or no aphasia and to explore subjective reactions to retelling a story with a concurrent task. Method Two studies (1 quantitative and 1 qualitative) were conducted. In Study 1, participants with mild or moderate aphasia and neurotypical controls retold short stories in isolation and while simultaneously distinguishing between high and low tones. Story retell accuracy (speech productivity and efficiency), speed (speech rate, repetitions, and pauses), and perceived effort were measured and compared. In Study 2, participants completed semistructured interviews about their story retell experience. These interviews were recorded, transcribed orthographically, and coded qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results The dual task interfered more with spoken language of people with aphasia than controls, but different speed-accuracy trade-off patterns were noted. Participants in the moderate aphasia group reduced accuracy with little alteration to speed, whereas participants in the mild aphasia group maintained accuracy and reduced their speed. Participants in both groups also reported more negative emotional and behavioral reactions to the dual-task condition than their neurotypical peers. Intentional strategies for coping with the cognitive demands of the dual-task condition were only reported by participants with mild aphasia. Conclusion The findings suggest that, although communicating with a competing task is more difficult for people with aphasia than neurotypical controls, participants with mild aphasia may be better able to cope with cognitively demanding communication situations than participants with moderate aphasia. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8233391.