Impact of Evidence-Based Functional Intervention Approach on an Individual with Wernicke’s Aphasia Based on International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework: A Case Study

Abstract

Background Severe comprehension impairments in Wernicke’s aphasia (WA) are often seen to be associated with auditory related impairment and phonological processing, including semantic and executive difficulties. This study investigated whether an intensive functional approach regime underpins the improvement in speech, language and cognitive domains in an individual with WA resulting in a positive impact on functional communication skills and quality of life-based on international classification of functioning (ICF), disability and health framework. Aim To study the impact of evidence-based functional treatment approach on the speech, language, cognitive and quality of life (QoL) domains in a patient diagnosed with WA based on ICF Framework. Objective The purpose of this longitudinal case study was to compare before- and after-scores of speech and language abilities, cognitive abilities and QoL in a patient diagnosed with WA after providing an intensive evidence-based functional communication treatment approach. Material and Methods A case aged 60-years-old male with a one-month history of stroke; was diagnosed as WA. The patient received intensive functional treatment approach focusing on language and cognition for one hour continuously per session, for eight sessions, within 2-months which involved different therapy approaches to improve his communication abilities. The measurement of language, cognitive abilities and QoL was assessed using the English adaptation of the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) and World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument, Short Form ((WHOQoLBREF) respectively. The results obtained were analyzed based upon the scores obtained across the domains of WAB, ACE-R, and QoL in two stages i.e. pre- and post-intensive aphasia functional language intervention program. Results The outcome of the current study revealed improved scores in WAB, ACE-R, and WHOQoL which highlighted the fact that aphasia therapy techniques targeting the language and functional goals must be followed and implemented during the therapeutic sessions based on the client’s type of aphasia. Conclusion The findings of the case study suggests that the impact of functional communication approach targeting the maximum participation of the person with aphasia seems to be one of the most effective and efficient way to rehabilitate aphasics to improve their QoL.