Word Retrieval Treatments in Aphasia: A Survey of Professional Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Researchers have identified many assessment and treatment options for word retrieval impairments in individuals with aphasia. The extent to which these options are used in clinical practice is not well understood. Aims We surveyed speech-language pathologists to better understand their use and familiarity with word retrieval assessment and treatment approaches for individuals with aphasia. Methods & Procedures We developed a brief survey examining 12 assessment and 14 treatment approaches used in clinical practice for aphasic word retrieval impairments. An anonymous survey link was disseminated to speech-language pathologists. Outcomes & Results The experienced pool of 81 respondents report they commonly address word retrieval impairments. In assessment they primarily employ standardized aphasia and naming tests (e.g., Boston Naming Test; Kaplan et al., 2001). Many also use informal naming tools to supplement standardized testing. Three treatment approaches were used by the majority of respondents. Two approaches incorporate single word picture naming, cueing hierarchies and Semantic Feature Analysis, and a third fosters word retrieval in sentences, Verb Network Strengthening Treatment. Conclusions While word retrieval impairments are commonly addressed in clinical practice, further implementation science work is needed to examine clinical use of the many empirically-supported word retrieval assessment and treatment methods, including how their fidelity is maintained to foster positive outcomes across clinical settings.