Experiences of People with Aphasia Receiving Enhanced Community-Based Speech-Language Pathology Provided by Speech-Language Pathology Students

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Treatment intensity for people with aphasia (PWA) is a significant factor in enhancing recovery. Personal factors such as fatigue, physical endurance, and motivation as well as clinician availability have been described as barriers to increased intensity. The use of student therapists has been shown to assist with addressing service gaps. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of PWA who received enhanced community-based treatment delivered by speech-language pathology (SLP) students. Enhanced community-based treatment was defined as three or more treatment sessions per week targeting communication. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 PWA living in New Zealand. Interview data were analysed with reflexive thematic analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Two themes and six sub-themes were developed. Theme 1 related to intensity and included more treatment is better than less (sub-theme 1), there’s a “right time” for more intensive treatment (sub-theme 2), the hard work is worth the effort (sub-theme 3). Theme 2 related to working with SLP students; it didn’t feel like they were students (sub-theme 4), we just got on so well (sub-theme 5), and they listened to what I wanted (sub-theme 6). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The findings confirm that PWA value access to more intensive treatment and desire involvement in decisions about flexible treatment schedules. PWA have positive experiences when treatment is provided by SLP students. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.