Clinical Guidelines for Eliciting Discourse Using the RHDBank Protocol

Abstract

Purpose: Examining discourse after right hemisphere brain damage (RHD) can provide invaluable clinical data and insight into functional communication capabilities. Yet, clinicians preparing to enter the field may have limited experience eliciting and analyzing discourse for therapeutic purposes. The purpose of this work is to present a practical guide for the clinical use of the RHDBank protocol. Method: Following a brief overview of the RHDBank protocol, elicitation guidelines and protocol administration considerations are offered. Measures that should be considered when analyzing RHDBank-elicited discourse are summarized. The RHDBank protocol is positioned as an accessible resource for discourse elicitation in the clinical setting, and examples for the clinical use of the protocol are provided. Conclusions: Discourse production can be a key source of information regarding communication ability following RHD. The RHDBank provides a structured and scripted approach to the clinical elicitation of language and consideration of discourse production. Its immediate clinical utility will assist developing clinicians with the acquisition of a clinically relevant elicitation approach and more comprehensive view of the RHD communication impairments. Application of the protocol can aid in collective knowledge advancement that will promote a better understanding of RHD language production as a clinical entity with an array of possible characteristics.