Co-Delivered Integrative Music and Language Therapy: Positive Outcomes Through Music Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology Collaboration

Abstract

Purpose Persons with aphasia can sometimes retain the ability to sing, and several studies have shown the effectiveness of using music to improve speech and language output. The purposes of this article were to discuss the theoretical principles and observed speech-language outcomes of a co-delivered integrative music and language therapy (CIMaLT) methodology for adults with chronic aphasia in a college-based clinic, to describe the interprofessional clinical education model used at the clinic, and to present a case example of CIMaLT implementation. Conclusion CIMaLT is an effective and feasible methodology to implement interprofessional education and practice in a college-based clinic. Additionally, it results in meaningful change in speech and language for some clients with aphasia and apraxia. Additional research is needed to further explore its outcomes for students and persons with aphasia and other neurogenic communication impairments at various stages of recovery. Plain Language Summary Persons with aphasia can sometimes retain the ability to sing, which can help improve speech and language function. Music and speech-language pathology students from our college-based clinic work together to provide treatment for persons with aphasia. This results in improvements in both student learning and client speech and language. This article describes the theory approach, and client and student outcomes of this treatment.