Effect of Communication Partner Training Program for the Management of Persons With Aphasia

Communication Partner Training (CPT) is an evidence-based intervention that teaches communication partners (e.g., family members, friends, healthcare workers) how to best support conversation and interaction for a person with aphasia. It does not matter how mild or severe a person's aphasia is, they can be a good candidate for CPT as long as their communication partner is motivated and willing to adapt their communication style. The objective of this study is to see the effects of communication partner training for the management of persons with aphasia. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted. In total, 6 dyads will be randomly assigned to the intervention (CPT program) or usual care (control) group. The intervention group received usual care in addition to a CPT program, which consisted of face-to-face education and counselling sessions, a manual and telephone support. Data will be collected at baseline, three months, and six months. The main outcome for caregivers will be using appropriate conversational skills that will be measured by the Conversational Skills Rating Scale (CSRS). Secondary outcomes for patients will be health-related quality of life that will be measured by the Quality of Life (QOL) Scale. To see the effective communication between patient and communication partner, Communicative Effectiveness Index (CETI) will be used.

Inclusion criteria

• The participant's aphasia must be caused by stroke and to have occurred at least 12 months before the study takes place.
• The participant's aphasia could be of all degrees of severity (clinically assessed as mild, moderate, or severe on GCS).
• The participants with aphasia are required to be 18 years or older, living at home or planned to live at home after rehabilitation, and have no other speech or language impairments (such as severe dysarthria)
• Others have to communicate with the person with aphasia on a regular basis (at least once a week).

Exclusion criteria

The participants will be excluded if the persons with aphasia:

• Are diagnosed with dementia or any other known significant cognitive impairment.
• Have significant hearing or vision problems.
• Have known alcohol or drug abuse.