Abstract TP143: Credibility, Expectancy and Satisfaction With Community-Based Telepractice Treatment for Aphasia

Abstract

Introduction: Telepractice has been used successfully to treat acute stroke in individuals in rural communities. Less progress has been made in using this approach for the treatment of post-stroke conditions such as aphasia. Few studies have examined telepractice approaches to treat aphasia in community settings. Hypothesis: Community-based telepractice approaches for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia are: (1) credible and individuals with will aphasia will expect to achieve improved outcomes and (2) clients with aphasia will be satisfied with the telepractice approach at the conclusion of treatment. Methods: 30 individuals with post-stroke aphasia were enrolled in the community-based aphasia treatment program that consisted of a maximum of 12 treatment sessions. Treatment sessions were tailored to the needs of the person with aphasia (PWA) and based on a Language Oriented Treatment Approach. The primary outcomes for the study were credibility, expected outcomes and satisfaction with the program. Treatment credibility and expected outcomes were measured at enrollment using the Credibility-Expectancy Scale. Client satisfaction was measured post-treatment using the Client Satisfaction Scale-8. Results: The mean age of the sample was 61 years and the mean Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) aphasia quotient score was 75 indicating mild-moderate aphasia impairment. The average credibility score at enrollment was 22/27 indicating the participants believed the treatment approach was logical and useful. The average expected improvement from the aphasia treatment that was reported at the time of enrollment was 68%. Those participants who completed the aphasia treatment reported a mean CSQ-8 score of 31/32 indicating high satisfaction with the treatment approach. Conclusions: Telepractice treatments for the comprehensive treatment for aphasia have been slow to emerge. This approach is feasible, credible and acceptable to PWA. This study also showed telepractice treatment for aphasia is satisfying to PWA. Future studies should be designed to explore both community-based and home-based telepractice approaches to improve access to care for PWA.