Dorthe Hansen1, Lisbeth Frölund Kristensen1, Maria Elm Christensen1, Karin Eriksson2,3, Gunilla Thunberg2,4. 1. Hammel Neurorehabilitation Centre and University Research Clinic, Hammel, Denmark. 2. Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 3. Region Västra Götaland, Department of Geriatrics, Pulmonary Disease and Allergology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. 4. Region Västra Götaland, DART Centre for AAC and AT, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study explored the perceptions of staff members regarding the implementation of a new communicative approach at a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation centre in Denmark. Communication partner training according to Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCATM) was combined with augmentative strategies from the KomHIT programme to increase the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used involving two semi-structured group interviews with multidisciplinary staff in two wards. Three staff members from each ward participated. The recorded interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis of the data was conducted. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the analysis. Participants reported increased influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process, as well as an increased focus on communication with patients with aphasia. Challenges included time restrictions and dilemmas in goal setting. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing staff knowledge of communication support and augmentative strategies seemed to improve the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. Because the results were based on interviews with a small number of staff, they cannot be generalized and require further investigation that should also include interviews with the patients themselves and their families.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may increase staff understanding of all individuals' rights to have their communicative needs met.The combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may support the influence of persons with aphasia on their own rehabilitation.Goal setting discrepancies between staff and patients with aphasia can be brought to light by more successful communication.The implementation of a new communicative approach can be challenged by a number of factors, e.g., time restrictions.The implementation process needs to be supported by actions on a higher organisational level.
PURPOSE: This study explored the perceptions of staff members regarding the implementation of a new communicative approach at a multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation centre in Denmark. Communication partner training according to Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCATM) was combined with augmentative strategies from the KomHIT programme to increase the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used involving two semi-structured group interviews with multidisciplinary staff in two wards. Three staff members from each ward participated. The recorded interviews were transcribed, and a thematic analysis of the data was conducted. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged from the analysis. Participants reported increased influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process, as well as an increased focus on communication with patients with aphasia. Challenges included time restrictions and dilemmas in goal setting. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing staff knowledge of communication support and augmentative strategies seemed to improve the influence of patients with aphasia on their own rehabilitation process. Because the results were based on interviews with a small number of staff, they cannot be generalized and require further investigation that should also include interviews with the patients themselves and their families.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may increase staff understanding of all individuals' rights to have their communicative needs met.The combination of partner training with augmentative strategies may support the influence of persons with aphasia on their own rehabilitation.Goal setting discrepancies between staff and patients with aphasia can be brought to light by more successful communication.The implementation of a new communicative approach can be challenged by a number of factors, e.g., time restrictions.The implementation process needs to be supported by actions on a higher organisational level.
Entities:
Keywords:
Aphasia; augmentative and alternative communication; staff training; sub-acute rehabilitation; supported conversation; universal design
Authors: J P Ruben Kalle; Tim F F Saris; Inger N Sierevelt; Denise Eygendaal; Christiaan J A van Bergen Journal: J Patient Rep Outcomes Date: 2022-06-02