What are the factors that may influence the implementation of self-managed computer therapy for people with long term aphasia following stroke? A qualitative study of speech and language therapists' experiences in the Big CACTUS trial

The effect of mobile application-based technology on post-stroke aphasia: a systematic review

Background

Enhancing speech-language therapy remains the most effective strategy for improving post-stroke aphasia, However, conventional face-to-face interventions often lack the necessary therapeutic intensity. In recent years, mobile application-based speech-language therapy has emerged progressively, offering new opportunities for independent rehabilitation among aphasic patients. This review aims to evaluate the impact of mobile application-based interventions on post-stroke aphasic.

Methods

By conducting a systematic search across five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Scopus), we identified and included studies that investigated the utilization of mobile application-based technologies (such as computers, iPads, etc.) for treating post-stroke aphasia.

Results

This study included 15 research investigations, including 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), four self-controlled studies and one cross-over experimental design study. Among these, eight studies demonstrated the efficacy of mobile application-based therapy in enhancing overall language functionality for post-stroke aphasia patients, three studies highlighted its potential for improving communication skills, three studies observed its positive impact on spontaneous speech expression. Moreover, four studies indicated its effectiveness in enhancing naming abilities, two studies underscored the positive influence of mobile application-based interventions on the quality of life for individuals with aphasia. Six studies noted that speech improvement effects were maintained during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The results of this review demonstrate the potential of mobile application-based interventions for improving speech-language function in individuals with aphasia. However, further high-quality research is needed to establish their effects across different domains and to delve into the comparative advantages of various treatment approaches.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=405248.

Digital participation of brain tumour patients in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders

Introduction

Communication deficits have a severe impact on our social interactions and health-related quality of life. Subtle communication deficits are frequently overlooked or neglected in brain tumour patients, due to insufficient diagnostics. Digital tools may represent a valuable adjunct to the conventional assessment or therapy setting but might not be readily suitable for every patient.

Methods

This article summarises results of three surveys on the readiness for telemedicine among (a) patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma, (b) matched controls, and (c) speech and language therapists. The respective surveys assessed the motivation for participation in telemedical assessments and supposed influencing factors, and the use potential of digital assessment and therapy technologies in daily routine, with a spotlight on brain tumour patients and the future prospects of respective telemedical interventions. Respondents included 56 high-grade glioma patients (age median: 59 years; 48% males), 73 propensity-score matched neurologically healthy controls who were instructed to imagine themselves with a severe disease, and 23 speech and language therapists (61% <35 years; all females).

Results and discussion

The vast majority of the interviewed high-grade glioma (HGG) patients was open to digitisation, felt well-equipped and sufficiently skilled. The factorial analysis showed that digital offers would be of particular interest for patients in reduced general health condition (p = 0.03) and those who live far from specialised treatment services (p = 0.03). The particular motivation of these subgroups seemed to outweigh the effects of age, equipment and internet skills, which were only significant in the control cohort. The therapists' survey demonstrated a broad consensus on the need for improving the therapy access of brain tumour patients (64%) and strengthening their respective digital participation (78%), although digitisation seems to have yet hardly entered the therapists' daily practise. In summary, the combined results of the surveys call for a joint effort to enhance the prerequisites for digital participation of patients with neurogenic communication disorders, particularly in the context of heavily burdened HGG patients with limited mobility.

Identifying the Active Ingredients of a Computerized Speech and Language Therapy Intervention for Poststroke Aphasia: Multiple Methods Investigation Alongside a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Aphasia is a communication disorder affecting more than one-third of stroke survivors. Computerized Speech and Language Therapy (CSLT) is a complex intervention requiring computer software, speech and language therapists, volunteers, or therapy assistants, as well as self-managed practice from the person with aphasia. CSLT was found to improve word finding, a common symptom of aphasia, in a multicenter randomized controlled trial (Clinical and Cost Effectiveness of Computer Treatment for Aphasia Post Stroke [Big CACTUS]).

OBJECTIVE

This study provides a detailed description of the CSLT intervention delivered in the Big CACTUS trial and identified the active ingredients of the intervention directly associated with improved word finding for people with aphasia.

METHODS

We conducted a multiple methods study within the context of a randomized controlled trial. In study 1, qualitative interviews explored key informants' understanding of the CSLT intervention, how the components interacted, and how they could be measured. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Qualitative findings informed the process measures collected as part of a process evaluation of the CSLT intervention delivered in the Big CACTUS trial. In study 2, quantitative analyses explored the relationship between intervention process measures (length of computer therapy access; therapists' knowledge of CSLT; degree of rationale for CSLT tailoring; and time spent using the software to practice cued confrontation naming, noncued naming, and using words in functional sentences) and change in word-finding ability over a 6-month intervention period.

RESULTS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 7 CSLT approach experts. Thematic analysis identified four overarching components of the CSLT approach: (1) the StepByStep software (version 5; Steps Consulting Ltd), (2) therapy setup: tailoring and personalizing, (3) regular independent practice, and (4) support and monitoring. Quantitative analyses included process and outcome data from 83 participants randomized to the intervention arm of the Big CACTUS trial. The process measures found to be directly associated with improved word-finding ability were therapists providing a thorough rationale for tailoring the computerized therapy exercises and the amount of time the person with aphasia spent using the computer software to practice using words in functional sentences.

CONCLUSIONS

The qualitative exploration of the CSLT approach provided a detailed description of the components, theories, and mechanisms underpinning the intervention and facilitated the identification of process measures to be collected in the Big CACTUS trial. Quantitative analysis furthered our understanding of which components of the intervention are associated with clinical improvement. To optimize the benefits of using the CSLT approach for word finding, therapists are advised to pay particular attention to the active ingredients of the intervention: tailoring the therapy exercises based on the individual's specific language difficulties and encouraging people with aphasia to practice the exercises focused on saying words in functional sentences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN68798818; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN68798818.

Competencies required by patients and health professionals regarding telerehabilitation: A scoping review

Background

Telerehabilitation offers patients alternative access to therapy and has become more prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the increasing attractiveness of such programs, there are research gaps regarding the required competencies in the demand-oriented technology use in rehabilitative care.

Objective

The study aims at collecting evidence on competencies required by patients and health professionals for using telerehabilitation. We analyse tasks and requirements associated with telerehabilitation and derive and systematise relevant competencies.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review and analysed MEDLINE, Psyndex, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for empirical studies and grey literature from 2017 to May 2022. Articles had to be in English/German and refer to medical rehabilitation accompanied by health professionals taking place in the patient's home.

Results

One hundred ten articles were included, covering video conferencing systems, applications with video, audio, or visual therapy content, or wearables. Depending on the program, tasks before, during, and after therapy sessions differ, as do whether these are performed by health professionals, patients, or the technology. Users need digital, health-related, social, personal, and health professionals also professional competencies. This comprises telerehabilitation, technical, health-related, and clinical knowledge, a range of physical, cognitive, social-interactive, technical, and clinical skills, a positive attitude towards telerehabilitation and experience. Whether sociodemographic factors promote successful use is unclear.

Conclusions

Telerehabilitation requires a variety of different competencies from patients and health professionals - going beyond the sphere of technical skills. This highlights the need for an evaluation of existing programs for promoting competencies in the use of telerehabilitation and refinement of the programs in line with demands.

People with aphasia share their views on self-management and the role of technology to support self-management of aphasia

PURPOSE

Self-management can lead to increased self-efficacy and improved quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions; however, there is little research exploring how self-management approaches can be used for chronic communication disorders, such as aphasia. Modifications to self-management approaches would be required to accommodate for aphasia; therefore, the input of people with aphasia (PwA) should be sought. The aims of the present study were: (1) To investigate and document the experiences and perspectives of PwA regarding self-management; (2) To explore how technology can be used to support aphasia self-management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 PwA living in Australia. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse interview data.

RESULTS

Analysis resulted in six themes: (1) In self-management, PwA take control of life with aphasia and assume responsibility for engaging in opportunities to improve overall communication; (2) Community aphasia groups are important enablers of self-management because they facilitate peer support; (3) Communication partners (CPs) provide multifaceted support in aphasia self-management; (4) SLPs provide integrated support and coordination in aphasia self-management; (5) Technology supports PwA to self-manage speech therapy and communication in daily life; (6) Psychological and physical health issues and societal factors may impact aphasia self-management abilities.

CONCLUSION

From the perspective of PwA, aphasia self-management involves enhancing skills enabling communication and life participation. PwA are central to aphasia self-management, with support provided by CPs, peers, and SLPs. Technology has a range of applications in aphasia self-management. PwA identified potential personal and contextual barriers that may impact self-management.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONFor people with aphasia, engaging in conversation and social interaction are primary means of managing/improving communicative life participation; therefore, this should be a key focus of aphasia self-management programs.Aphasia self-management approaches should maximise the use of available support and provide tailored information, education, and training in the area of self-management to key stakeholders (people with aphasia, communication partners, and speech-language pathologists).People with aphasia should be supported to use technology for aphasia self-management, encompassing communication specific and daily life use.People with aphasia should be heavily involved in the development of structured aphasia self-management approaches.