COMMUNICATION PARTNER TRAINING AS AN INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION PARTICIPATION OF PEOPLE WITH APHASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.

Abstract

Background: Aphasia negatively affects the lives of stroke survivors and their families, often contributing to social isolation, depression, loss of autonomy, reduced activities, and stigma. The literature on therapeutic options for aphasia is comprehensive, and many projects have been conducted to assess the effects and efficacy of research on aphasia therapy. Historically, aphasia therapy has generally focused on the direct therapy of the person with aphasia (PWA), reducing the severity of language loss. Recent interventions involving environmental modification have been implemented to promote communication in aphasia. Communication partner training is a type of environmental intervention in which the partner (i.e., family, friend, healthcare provider, or volunteer) of PWA learns to use techniques and communication tools as a means of supporting the communication. Aim: The aim is to systematically review the literature of communication partner training and investigate its efficacy in improving PWA communication skills and participation. Methods: Search attempt yielded 1511 results. These studies were screened against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. However, seven studies have met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Outcome measures were categorised into language impairment and communication participation. 3 Results: Communication partner training resulted in improved communication participation among the majority of the PWA participants. In addition, some participants demonstrated the ability to maintain this improvement following the intervention. However, generalisation of this improvement needed further in-depth investigations. Conclusion: It can be concluded from this review that communication partner training was effective for the majority of people with aphasia (PWA) in promoting communication participation. However, more investigations are needed to identify the characteristics of communication partner training programme candidacy.